THE AFRICA TIMES | SOUTH AFRICA — South Africa welcomed more than 4.2 million foreign tourists between January and May 2026. This figure represents a 12.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year, as reported by the South African government’s official website.
Factors Driving Growth
The Ministry of Tourism attributes this growth to significant infrastructure development and the expansion of direct international flights. Specifically, visitor numbers from the African continent rose by 14.7 percent, while arrivals from South America increased dramatically.
Surge in South American Visitors
The rise in South American tourists was mainly driven by Brazil, with arrivals climbing by 40.6 percent, from 4,700 to 6,600 visitors.
