Arrivals in South Africa from overseas countries in 2024 totalled a touch over 1.7 million by the end of October – 2.6% up compared to the same period last year – ahead of the busy end-of-year tourist season.

Statistics South Africa’s latest International Tourism Report shows that, during October alone, overseas arrivals were 0.1% shy of the same month last year, totalling 189 575, while South Africa prepares for a major influx of tourists during the December and January peak seasons.

The country still has plenty of work to do to catch up to 2019 levels. October arrivals are 24% below the 248 673 total recorded for the same month in 2019. The total for the year to date is 19% below just over 2.1 million arrivals recorded by the end of October 2019.

The European market’s struggles – due to geopolitical instability and the rampant cost of living – were again evident in the October statistics. Four of South Africa’s top five European source markets (the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland) registered slight declines in October. Only France recorded an increase of 4.1% to 13 473 arrivals. For the year to date, European arrivals are down by 0.7% to 978 551 arrivals.

The North American market performed strongly again, recording a 1.6% increase in arrivals to 34 158 in October. For the year to date, this market is up by 4.9% to 354 194 arrivals.

Click here to view our interactive map of the latest inbound tourist arrivals.