South Africa’s top international tourists will give you a newfound appreciation of Mzansi – here’s why

This year’s Tourism Month and World Tourism Day were made all the sweeter with recent stats showing the sector bouncing back and growing with gusto.

We welcomed almost 8 million international tourists in 2023, and in June 2024 alone, 1.6 million foreign travellers came to South Africa’s shores, a 94.8% increase from the same period in 2023.

“We are fast becoming a popular holiday choice for those wanting to escape overtourism and ‘been-there-done-that’ destinations,” says Guy Stehlik, CEO of BON Hotels. “Our current top overseas source markets give us insights into what travellers from different countries want – there are nuanced differences and overlap, all painting a picture of the incredible destination we are proud to call home”.

Here’s why these overseas source markets are choosing South Africa for their travels. Their reasons might just give you a newfound appreciation of Mzansi, and inspire you to join them in exploring RSA.

Our top five overseas source markets and what they love about SA:

#1 USA: The Big Five safari is always a winner with stop-offs in big cities

Many a US tourist bucket list involves seeing a lion hunt in the wild. This source market enjoys our warm and friendly people – like hospitable game rangers who know where to get the best sightings on safari. They come to our shores for the Big Five experience, mixing it with city stopovers – Cape Town is another main attraction, with Table Mountain and the Winelands big drawcards.

#2 UK: A one-stop-shop of experiences

Wellness, safaris, natural beauty, culture – we’ve got it all. We’re a ‘one-stop-shop’ for UK tourists who want to get a full-rounded holiday that is wildly different than what they can experience closer to home. However, there are small overlaps in culture (English is one of our national languages) that mean they aren’t pushed too far out of their comfort zone.

#3 The Netherlands: Hiking boots at the ready, they love SA’s natural beauty

Two words – hiking trails. This source market mostly wants to leave civilisation alone for the great outdoors, going on epic walks through our beautiful reserves and beaches, of which we have plenty: Table Mountain National Park, West Coast National Park, Robberg Nature reserve, the Drakensberg, and the Otter Trail are all popular. They don’t say no to the Winelands either. 

#4 France: They love SA’s sustainable, eco-friendly side

Responsible travel is top-of-mind for French travellers. They seek out eco-friendly accommodation and experiences, so our conservation-focused national parks and reserves are very appealing. They want to get in touch with nature by hiking through mountainous and beach landscapes and going on safari, but balance it out with cultural experiences, exploring cities (especially Cape Town), the Winelands, and our culinary offerings.

#5 Germany: Outdoors? Yes please!

Much like the Netherlandic source market, German tourists largely come for the great outdoors. They enjoy hiking through coastal reserves, going on safari, and dabbling in select cultural experiences, like wine tasting and culinary offerings, specifically in the Western Cape.

Tourists travel far and wide to come to Mzansi because there is nowhere else in the world like it. We have natural beauty, friendly, resilient people, incredible cities, and koeksisters.

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