Online Reporter
CAPE TOWN. – South Africa’s Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille announced yesterday that the country received a record high number of international arrivals in 2025, hailing tourism as a key driver of economic growth, investment, and job creation.
In a statement, the minister said the country welcomed 10.48 million international arrivals for the year 2025, a 17.6 percent increase compared to 2024.
De Lille highlighted that South Africa’s global competitiveness was further recognized last year, with the country being named “Best Destination: Africa 2025” by the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.
She added that the Cabinet had endorsed the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, led by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa.
“The first priority is ease of access,” said De Lille. “The Department of Home Affairs is implementing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, starting with key markets including India, China, Mexico, and Indonesia, following a successful pilot during the G20 Summit.”
The full rollout of the ETA system is projected to create between 80,000 and 100,000 jobs. – Xinhua
