The value of Johannesburg’s travel and tourism sector exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2022, while Cape Town’s sector continues to recover strongly, according to a report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

The Cities Economic Impact Report showed that Johannesburg’s travel and tourism sector was forecast to be worth US$2.2 billion in 2022, 4% above the $2.1bn measured by the WTTC in 2019. By comparison, the value of Cape Town’s sector is expected to have grown to $1.8bn, still 28% below the $2.5bn of 2019.

The report, researched in partnership with Oxford Economics, analysed key indicators such as travel and tourism’s direct contribution to GDP, employment and traveller spend.

The results show travellers are returning to cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, with all indicators bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels.

 “South Africa has long been a world-favourite destination and after more than two years of disruption, it’s great to see tourists heading back. Tourism provides a massive boost to both the economy and job creation,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO.

Jobs on the rise

The WTTC found that in Johannesburg there were over 138 000 travel and tourism jobs before the pandemic but this number fell to just over 110 000 in 2020. A 10% rise in 2021 saw the number increase to more than 120 000, and in 2022 the WTTC estimates that jobs recovered to reach 156 000, 11% more than in 2019.

In Cape Town, the report highlights that travel and tourism jobs reached 152 000 in the city in 2022, compared with the 170 000 jobs of 2019.

According to the global tourism body’s research, travel and tourism’s annual contribution to both cities will increase by more than $2.25bn over the next decade, with Cape Town’s sector expected to contribute $3.3bn and Johannesburg’s sector just under $3bn by 2032.

“It is crucial that the national and local governments continue to recognise the importance of travel and tourism for the local and national economies, jobs, and businesses,” Simpson said.