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2 months ago | 
tourismupdate.co.za | David Frost |Patricia de Lille |Rosemary Anderson |Sandra Kneubuhler
As we step into 2025, South Africa’s tourism recovery remains uneven. While overall inbound tourism sits at just under 82% of 2019 levels, the distribution of visitors is highly concentrated in just two key regions: Cape Town and the Kruger National Park. Meanwhile other provinces – despite offering exceptional tourism experiences –continue to struggle.
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Feb 3, 2025 | 
tourismupdate.co.za | Harriet James |Gheeta Payle |Neethling du Toit |Sandra Kneubuhler
India, among the world's fastest-growing travel markets, and East African countries are looking to leverage mutually beneficial tourism opportunities. The Indian middle class with disposable income is rapidly expanding. With this, the number of individuals who can afford international travel is also rising. According to an Expedia report, by 2025, 13.9 million leisure departures will be recorded from Mumbai.
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Jan 31, 2025 | 
tourismupdate.co.za | Bianca Capazorio |Gheeta Payle |Neethling du Toit |Sandra Kneubuhler
Formally gazetted in October 2024, South Africa’s digital nomad visa has been celebrated across the tourism industry for its impact on the local economy. But Cape Town locals are becoming increasingly vocal about visitors driving up prices and competition for housing in the city. It’s unclear how many, if any, official remote working visas have been granted in South Africa since their introduction.
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Jan 22, 2025 | 
tourismupdate.co.za | Bianca Capazorio |Gheeta Payle |Neethling du Toit |Sandra Kneubuhler
New data in the UN World Tourism Barometer indicates, in 2024, Africa recovered to pre-pandemic levels with 7% more arrivals compared to 2019 and 12% (74 million tourists) more than in 2023. According to this report, the global outlook for tourism is positive with international tourist arrivals expected to grow between 3% and 5% in 2025 if conditions remain favourable, inflation recedes and geopolitical conflicts do not escalate.
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Jan 9, 2025 | 
tourismupdate.co.za | Harriet Akinyi |Gheeta Payle |Neethling du Toit |Sandra Kneubuhler
In an effort to boost its tourism sector and adapt to shifting global trends, Mauritius has diversified its offerings, emphasising its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks and luxury golf tourism. This strategic shift aims to attract a broader range of international travellers and reduce the island's reliance on traditional beach vacations.
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Oct 28, 2024 | 
tourismupdate.co.za | Sandra Kneubuhler |Niels Verspui |Sadi Farooqui |Anton Gillis
Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced the following network adjustments in anticipation of the upcoming peak season to ensure more efficient operations:Plaine Magnien, Mauritius Effective October 27, there will be an additional flight from Mauritius to Nairobi. The flights will now operate on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Moroni, Comoros Islands Effective October 28, there will be one additional flight frequency from Nairobi to Comoros on Thursdays.
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Oct 28, 2024 | 
tourismupdate.co.za | Sandra Kneubuhler |Niels Verspui |Sadi Farooqui |Anton Gillis
An overwhelming majority of respondents to our latest poll agree that South Africa is ready to again host an annual Formula 1 Grand Prix:69% of readers said the country is ready to welcome the return of the world’s biggest motorsport spectacleJust 22% said “No”The remainder of respondents are unsure. Attracting an average of 350 000 spectators, Formula 1 race weekends can generate upwards of US$100 million in revenue for host countries.
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Oct 28, 2024 | 
tourismupdate.co.za | Sandra Kneubuhler |Niels Verspui |Sadi Farooqui |Anton Gillis
From January to August 2024, South Africa welcomed 280 000 visitors from the US – a 7% increase compared with the same period in 2023. Arrivals are currently at 99.7% of pre-pandemic levels. Canada also showed positive progress with arrivals increasing by 4.1% during the same period, reaching 85.9% of pre-pandemic levels. “We are confident that, by year-end, US arrivals will surpass pre-pandemic figures,” says Dinky Malikane, South African Tourism (SAT) Regional GM: Americas.
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Oct 28, 2024 | 
tourismupdate.co.za | Sandra Kneubuhler |Niels Verspui |Sadi Farooqui |Anton Gillis
Gavin Oosterwyk, Marketing Director, Fairest Cape Meander “Our family-run business, with a modest fleet of vehicles, operates in the Western Cape: Cape Town, the West Coast and Garden Route regions. “IMEX America was the first business show we’ve exhibited at although we’ve attended a few business events and participated in several international leisure trade shows.
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Oct 28, 2024 | 
tourismupdate.co.za | Sandra Kneubuhler |Niels Verspui |Sadi Farooqui |Anton Gillis
The South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) has made impressive strides in securing international business events since the start of the 2024/2025 financial year, solidifying the country’s position as a premier destination for global conferences and conventions. Since the beginning of the 2024/25 financial year, the SANCB and South Africa’s business events industry have submitted 63 bids for international business events between 2024 and 2029.
