It’s good news as travellers from these top nations are touring South Africa in 2024. This influx has seen tourism return to pre-pandemic levels for the first time, according to Daily Investor. In the report, it’s noted that income derived from tourism has risen sharply in the first quarter of 2024. In fact, tourism accommodation grew 14.9% year-on-year at the beginning of 2024.
WHO IS TOURING SOUTH AFRICA IN 2024?
Furthermore, tourist numbers reveal that 971 846 travellers arrived in South Africa in January 2024 alone. This represents a 14.4% increase from January 2023. Unaudited figures for February 2024 suggest this will grow by a further 18.3% compared to February 2023. But which are the most prevalent countries touring South Africa in 2024?
- 20% of foreign tourists coming to South Africa stem from the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.
- Brazilian tourists increased by 170%.
- Chinese tourists heading to South Africa remained promising, rising by 137%.
- Sadly, traveller numbers from the USA declined by 14.3% in January 2024.
RECOVERING FROM COVID-19
South Africa has faced many challenges since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. From electricity to water constraints, visa impediments for tourists and crime. It is therefore impressive to see the recovery in international tourism. This is further reinforced by accommodation supplier NightsBridge, which confirms South Africa has rebounded to above pre-pandemic levels.
Bookings from 2023 have already exceeded those of 2019 by 7.4%, pointing to the fact that the tourism industry in South Africa has grown capacity since 2020. And it’s seen a 9.4% year-over-year increase in bookings between 2022 and 2023. Likewise, Airbnb reports that its platform has seen a 33% increase in domestic travel from 2019 to 2023.
DIGITAL CONVENIENCE
This increase clearly indicates that the tourism industry has not only rebounded from the impacts of the pandemic but is also experiencing expansion beyond pre-pandemic levels. Part of this can be credited to the rise in online booking platforms. In five years consumer behaviour has shifted towards ease-of-use digital solutions, a trend accelerated by the efficiency of current online platforms.
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