Tourism numbers paint a different picture than official statements

At the height of the tourist season at the end of 2015, every dollar was worth R14. At the end of 2023 a dollar bought R19.Upbeat comments by politicians and tourism bodies about growth in the sector are decidedly at odds with the official numbers of foreign tourists visiting South Africa.

Compared to 3.1 million arrivals in 2021 and 4.6 million in 2020, the recent number does look good, but both those years were affected by the international ban on travel due to the pandemic. The majority travel by road, and a big percentage visit SA for less than a day, maybe only to do some shopping .These visitors arrive mostly by air, mostly from Europe, and spend an average of 14 days in the countryThe figure has increased by 42% over 2022, but is still 30% below 2019. Except for the decline in 2009 , the 2023 figure is the lowest in 20 years.Other destinations recovering faster

“After declining to roughly 407 million in the first year of the health crisis, the lowest figure recorded since 1989, global inbound tourist arrivals showed strong signs of recovery in the following years, totalling just under 1.3 billion in 2023.”Exchange rate should make SA highly desireable …

Holiday Holiday Latest News, Holiday Holiday Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

WC tourism has potential to generate R1 trillion revenue and jobs, says MECFor the first time, two royal cruise ships - the Queen Victoria and the Queen Mary 2 - have docked in the Cape Town harbour.
Source: ewnupdates - 🏆 30. / 53 Read more »

South African Community Transforms Struggle for Land Restitution into Eco-Tourism VentureA community in South Africa, near the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe, has successfully turned their fight for land restitution into a thriving eco-tourism business. They now own and manage 10 properties, providing sustainable livelihoods for their people.
Source: TheCitizen_News - 🏆 6. / 75 Read more »

Cape Town champions responsible tourism at World Travel Market AfricaIn a move towards promoting responsible tourism practices, the City of Cape Town’s Tourism and Place Marketing Branch convened industry businesses at the World Travel Market Africa to sign the Responsible Tourism pledge.
Source: CapeTownEtc - 🏆 17. / 63 Read more »

Africa Travel Week celebrates a decade of tourism growth in Cape TownAfrica Travel Week, a premier gathering for global travel professionals, returns to Cape Town for its 11th edition, showcasing the region's tourism offerings through a series of shows, conferences and award ceremonies.
Source: CapeTownEtc - 🏆 17. / 63 Read more »

Angola: First Regional Tourism Forum Opens Wednesday in LuenaThe First Regional Tourism Development Forum for the Coast, Center, South and East regions of the country begins Wednesday in the city of Luena, eastern Moxico Province.
Source: allafrica - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Uncertainty Continues for Local Tourism Industry in South AfricaThe local tourism industry in South Africa is facing continued uncertainty due to inconsistencies in the value-added tax (Vat) treatment on services offered to foreign tour operators or foreign travellers. This has resulted in an onerous administrative burden on smaller companies and is making South Africa uncompetitive compared to the rest of the world.
Source: TheCitizen_News - 🏆 6. / 75 Read more »