South Africa is ramping up tourism growth with a focus on better air access, targeted marketing and safer travel. While global tourism bounced back to 2019 levels in 2024 with growth of more than 12%, South Africa managed just 5.1% growth, leaving it 13% behind its own 2019 arrivals. Image: World Travel and Tourism CouncilThe biggest red flag is overseas tourism, where high-spending travellers deliver the biggest economic boost. Cape Town International Airport shows what’s possible, exceeding 2019 overseas arrivals by 21%, while OR Tambo remains 21% behind. However, government has already indicated that South Africa is ramping up tourism growth with a focus on better air access, targeted marketing and safer travel, government said in February.