SA gears up for tourism revival amid global unease
The Western Cape is preparing for a busy Shoulder Season which also happens to be the start of Spring and Tourism Month
Image: Supplied
South Africa is gearing up for a bumper shoulder tourism season starting 1 September, with tourism bodies across the country preparing for a surge in both domestic and international visitors. Despite recent negative media coverage around crime and tensions between South Africa and the United States, economists and industry leaders say the outlook for the sector remains positive.
Economist Dawie Roodt said the spotlight on South Africa could even help tourism.
“The tension between South Africa and the United States, if that will affect our tourism, I don’t think it will have much impact. In fact, it could even be positive, because by putting the spotlight on South Africa might actually contribute to marketing the country as a tourist destination. I think tourism will remain more or less the same, or may even improve slightly.”
Provinces like Western Cape, Gauteng and the KwaZulu-Natal are all gearing up for a bumper tourism season with Gauteng expected to exceed its R30 billion projection for this season.
In the Western Cape, hotels, guesthouses, and attractions are already reporting strong booking patterns. According to Cape Town Tourism’s latest Economic Value of Tourism report, the City recorded a 6% year-on-year growth in international arrivals and a 5% increase in bed nights sold, signalling continued demand for Cape Town as a global destination. This builds on 2024’s figures, when 2.4 million overnight visitors contributed R24.5 billion directly to the local economy.
James Vos, Cape Town’s MEC for Tourism and Economic Growth, said, “Cape Town is preparing for a busy season, and I’m determined to make sure that our City and tourism partners not only welcome more visitors but also grow tourism in a way that delivers real, lasting benefits for Capetonians.”
Barba Gaoganediwe, spokesperson for Gauteng Tourism, said tourism in Gauteng is growing.
"These numbers create jobs and transform the sector by bringing in new players, especially women and young people. Tourism is about economic inclusion, and Gauteng is proving itself as the number one stop destination in the country.”
Accommodation in Cape Town is already seeing a growth in booking trends
Image: Supplied
Gauteng’s tourism sector recorded R41 billion in foreign direct spend for 2024/2025, surpassing the targeted R29 billion. Strategic investments in new air routes, increased airlift capacity, marketing campaigns, and hosting signature events drove 3.8 million international arrivals. When combined with R21 billion from domestic tourism, the province’s total contribution reached an estimated R63 billion.
The province is bracing for a record-breaking tourism surge this September, with more than 200,000 visitors expected over three nights thanks to a packed line-up of international and local events. World Tourism Day will be marked on 27 September, focusing on the revitalisation of Johannesburg’s inner city in partnership with Jozi Ma Jozi, the National Department of Tourism, and South African Tourism.
The month kicks off with major drawcards such as the DStv Delicious Festival on 21 September, expected to attract around 60 000 visitors, and the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival from 26 September, which anticipates 45 000 attendees at the Sandton Convention Centre. Heritage Day on 24 September coincides with the G20 Ministerial Meeting at the Cradle of Humankind, bringing international delegations, media, and support staff.
KZN Tourism said Durban is continuing to invest in marketing and infrastructure, building on a recent tourism revival, while national bodies and provincial authorities are aligning to ensure the upcoming shoulder season is strong, economically impactful, and inclusive, benefiting local communities, businesses, and visitors alike.
The West Coast has also been experiencing a spike in bookings
Image: Supplied
The Garden Route is expected to attract lots of local and international visitors especially during the Whale season in Hermanus
Image: File
Joburg will welcome the DSTV Delicious Festival 2025 a signature lifestyle event for Joburg’s economic & cultural landscape.
Image: File
The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), which plays a central role in the country’s tourism sector, applauded is the launch of the AI-powered electronic travel authorisation system (e-visas) by the Department of Home Affairs, providing an online platform for travellers to apply for and track visas, simplifying immigration and reducing administrative burdens.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
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