In a monumental surge, international tourist arrivals to South Africa for the period of January to December 2023 reached an impressive 8.5 million, boasting a remarkable 48.9% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2022.
Africa takes the lead
South Africa emerged as a prime destination, welcoming 6.4 million visitors from across the African continent, constituting a substantial 75.6% of all arrivals. Zimbabwe and Kenya particularly shone, with Zimbabwe experiencing a notable 70.8% increase in arrivals to South Africa, totaling 2.1 million visitors. Meanwhile, Kenya recorded a staggering 99% surge, reaching 42,403 arrivals for the January to December 2023 period.
Americas contributing strong momentum
Tourist arrivals from the Americas demonstrated robust growth, registering at 455,901, reflecting a significant 39.8% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2022. The United States of America led the pack with 353,975 arrivals, marking a substantial 35% growth from 2022.
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