South Africa is known for its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. It’s no surprise that tourism plays a significant role in the country’s economy. In this article, we will take a closer look at how much South Africa makes from tourism.
Tourism Statistics
According to the latest statistics from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the tourism industry contributed R130.5 billion ($8.3 billion) to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2018. This accounts for approximately 2.8% of South Africa’s GDP.
The same report shows that in 2018, South Africa received a total of 10.5 million international tourists, which is an increase of 1.8% from the previous year. The majority of these tourists came from neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho.
The Impact of Tourism on Employment
Tourism also plays a significant role in employment within South Africa. The industry employed approximately 726,000 people in 2018, which accounts for around 4.2% of the country’s total employment.
The report shows that tourism jobs have increased by 2.4% between 2017 and 2018, which is higher than the national average of job growth during that period.
The Importance of Domestic Tourism
While international tourists contribute significantly to the country’s economy, domestic tourism also plays an important role in South Africa’s tourism industry.
In 2018, there were a total of 18 million domestic trips taken by South Africans within their own country. This generated R70 billion ($4.5 billion) in revenue for the tourism industry.
Domestic tourism provides an opportunity for smaller businesses and communities to benefit from tourism revenue, as local travellers tend to spend money on activities such as visiting local markets or staying at guesthouses rather than large hotel chains.
The Impact of COVID-19 on South Africa’s Tourism Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the tourism industry in South Africa. The country closed its borders to international travellers in March 2020, and the industry has been struggling ever since.
According to Stats SA, the tourism industry lost approximately R39 billion ($2.5 billion) in revenue during the first quarter of 2020 due to the pandemic. This has resulted in many job losses within the industry, with some businesses having to close their doors permanently.
Conclusion
Tourism plays a significant role in South Africa’s economy and employment. While the industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is expected to recover slowly as international travel resumes. Domestic tourism will also play an important role in supporting smaller businesses and communities within South Africa.