South Africa’s tourism recovery is gaining even more momentum, with new figures showing that millions of international travellers are choosing the country as their destination in 2026. More than 5.5 million visitors in six monthsBetween January and June 2026, South Africa welcomed 5 584 473 international tourists, marking a 12.3% increase compared with the same period last year. Arrivals from countries across the continent climbed by 14.3%, highlighting South Africa’s continued importance as both a regional business hub and a leisure destination. International demand from overseas markets also continued to strengthen, with arrivals increasing by 5.6% during the first half of the year. June continues the upward trendThe positive momentum carried into June, when South Africa recorded 823 365 international arrivals.