Ramaphosa Pledges Stronger Policy Support as SA Records Highest-Ever Tourist Arrivals

“An increase in international visitors is also a vote of confidence in South Africa’s brand appeal, and in our reputation as a safe, reliable, value-for-money tourism destination,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed government's commitment to strengthening the regulatory and policy environment to accelerate growth in South Africa's tourism sector, following the announcement that the country welcomed a record 10.48 million international visitors last year.

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President noted that international arrivals increased by 17.6 percent compared to 2024, marking the highest number of tourist arrivals on record and surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels.

He described the milestone as a strong vote of confidence in a sector with significant growth potential and in South Africa's global brand.

"An increase in international visitors is also a vote of confidence in South Africa's brand appeal, and in our reputation as a safe, reliable, value-for-money tourism destination," President Ramaphosa said.

"As government, we are determined to strengthen the regulatory and policy environment to further grow the sector. We are equally committed to deepening collaboration with the private sector, labour and other stakeholders to further bolster the industry."

Tourism as a Key Economic Pillar

Tourism currently contributes nearly 9 percent to South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), supporting jobs, small businesses and regional economies across the country.

The President said Cabinet's endorsement last year of the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan had laid important foundations for sustained sectoral expansion, with targeted initiatives already showing results.

Visa Reform and Improved Market Access

Among the key initiatives highlighted was the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which was successfully piloted during the G20 Summit last year and is now being rolled out in priority tourism markets.

Government is also strengthening the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, launched in 2025, which streamlines visa processing for group travellers whose applications are submitted by vetted tour operators.

The President noted that a significant number of tourists from key markets such as India and China already prefer structured group travel, making the scheme particularly effective in unlocking demand from these regions.

Connectivity, Safety and Infrastructure Investment

Improving air connectivity remains a priority, with new direct flight routes introduced from key markets including Australia and France, improving access to South Africa and supporting tourism growth.

To enhance tourist safety, additional tourism monitors have been deployed, while the private sector has established a crime call centre to respond to incidents involving visitors.

Tourism infrastructure is also receiving renewed attention. At the inaugural Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit held last year, eight projects valued at R1 billion were launched, signalling renewed investor confidence in the sector.

Targeted Marketing and Niche Tourism

The President said government continues to strengthen strategic destination marketing, alongside a focused push into niche tourism segments such as halal tourism and green tourism, aimed at attracting a more diverse global visitor base.

These efforts are designed to position South Africa as a competitive, inclusive and sustainable tourism destination.

Building Skills and Community Participation

President Ramaphosa encouraged South Africans to actively embrace the growth of the tourism industry, noting that communities play a central role in shaping visitor experiences.

He highlighted initiatives by the Department of Tourism, including fully funded Mandarin language training for registered freelance and employed tourism guides, to better support tourists from the fast-growing Chinese market.

The President also reaffirmed government's commitment to transformation in the tourism sector, supported through targeted development and empowerment programmes.

"Retaining our reputation as a tourism destination of choice is a society-wide effort, one in which communities have a particularly important role to play," he said.

"Every South African should be a tourism ambassador and every community a potential tourist attraction. Our country is rich in natural beauty, history and culture, with much of this potential untapped."

Driving Jobs, Growth and Regional Development

President Ramaphosa underscored that foreign tourists contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings, support local businesses, strengthen regional economies and help create and sustain jobs.

He called for stronger collaboration between government, industry, communities and civil society to promote destinations beyond traditional tourism hubs and unlock opportunities in under-visited regions.

"Working together as Government, industry, communities and civil society we can realise even greater value from this jewel in our nation's crown," the President concluded.