South Africa Tourism Booms but African Visitors Turn Away Over Xenophobia

South Africa has recorded record tourist arrivals over the past two months, with more than one million visitors arriving by air each month. Behind those figures, however, a concern is emerging: African tourists may gradually turn away from the country because of its xenophobic image.

Key facts

• More than one million visitors arrived by air in each of the past two months.
• Tourism accounts for more than 8% of South Africa's GDP.
• The concern raised is that African tourists may gradually turn away from South Africa.
• The country's xenophobic image is identified as the factor behind the concern.

What are the current arrival numbers?

South Africa has recorded record tourist arrivals over the past two months, with more than one million visitors arriving by air each month. The figures were described as encouraging.

Who may be affected?

The concern centres on African tourists, who may gradually turn away from South Africa. The country's xenophobic image has left its mark, according to a report from a team on the ground.

Why does this matter for South Africa?

Tourism accounts for more than 8% of the country's GDP, so any decline in visitors from the continent would matter economically.

What this means for travellers

The report highlights a gap between strong overall arrival numbers and a possible shift in sentiment among African visitors. Travellers from the continent weighing a trip to South Africa may want to follow how the situation develops before making plans.

No figures on cancellations, no specific nationalities affected and no response from South African authorities are given in the report.