South Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector is on a promising path to recovery and long-term growth, according to the latest Economic Impact Research by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The sector is expected to support a record 1.9 million jobs in 2025—surpassing 2019 levels and accounting for 11.3% of total national employment.
While domestic tourism shows strong resilience with spending projected at ZAR 445 billion in 2025 (3.8% above 2019), overall contributions to GDP and international visitor spending remain below pre-pandemic highs. In 2025, the sector’s total economic contribution is forecasted at ZAR 659.8 billion (8.9% of GDP), still 3.4% short of its 2019 peak. International visitor spend is expected to reach ZAR 128.4 billion—ZAR 37.7 billion below 2019 levels.
However, the future outlook is bright. By 2035, the sector is forecast to contribute ZAR 911.7 billion to the economy, making up 10.3% of GDP, and create an additional 620,000 jobs, bringing total employment to 2.6 million—13.8% of the workforce.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson emphasized the sector’s recovery is being led by job growth and highlighted the crucial role of government support under Minister Patricia de Lille. With South Africa preparing to lead the G20 in 2025, the country has a strategic opportunity to elevate Travel & Tourism as a key pillar of national development.
Strong public-private collaboration will be essential to unlocking this sector’s full potential and driving inclusive, sustainable economic growth.