KwaZulu-Natal leads South Africa's tourism growth in 2025

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has revealed that South Africa welcomed more than 10.4 million visitors in 2025 — a notable 17.6% increase compared to the previous year.

The achievement marks a historic milestone for the country, as it is the first time tourist arrivals have surpassed pre-COVID-19 levels.

De Lille attributed much of this growth to KwaZulu-Natal, which experienced a significant surge in tourism activity during the December holiday period. The province alone welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors, reaffirming its status as  one of the country's prime destination for holidaymakers, particularly in Durban.

“Well done to KwaZulu-Natal for turning the corner,” De Lille said, highlighting the province’s strong recovery and renewed appeal to tourists.

“Importantly, this surge in arrivals not only marked a recovery but signifies an unprecedented growth spurt,” she added, noting that overall tourist numbers now exceed the previous pre-pandemic high of 2019 by 2.6%.

“I don’t want to hear about COVID anymore. We are not recovering anymore; we are growing now,” De Lille said, expressing confidence in the tourism sector’s robust resurgence.

She also announced developments expected to further enhance KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism profile, including the opening of Club Med in KwaDukuza. Set for launch in June, the R2.5 billion project forms part of a public-private partnership and is expected to significantly boost both provincial and national tourism figures.

“This shows that investors can invest here. Club Med will contribute significantly to our tourism numbers and our overall economic landscape,” De Lille said, adding that the development reflects growing investor confidence in South Africa as a tourism destination.

Earlier this month, Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba hailed the 2025/2026 festive season as the city’s most successful in years, citing record visitor numbers, improved infrastructure, and a packed events calendar that boosted the local economy.

Xaba said that for the first time since the devastating floods of 2022, all 23 bathing beaches were open and safe for swimming, while water supply remained largely stable across the metro.

“Let me state without hesitation that this was the best festive season the city has experienced in many years,” Xaba said.

Between December 1 and January 12, Durban’s beaches recorded more than 6.8 million visitors, while municipal swimming pools welcomed over 1.2 million bathers.

Xaba praised all relevant role-players for contributing to a safe and successful festive season across the city and its major attractions. He said preliminary figures indicated that Durban welcomed close to 1.2 million visitors — a 19% increase compared to 2024.

Accommodation occupancy rose to 77%, while direct tourism spend increased from R2.2 billion to R2.7 billion. The sector’s contribution to gross domestic product surged from R5.5 billion to R9.6 billion, with more than 14,000 job opportunities created.

“These figures reaffirm tourism as a key driver of our local economy,” Xaba said.

He also highlighted upcoming developments expected to enhance Durban’s tourism offering, including the unveiling of statues of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo in the coming weeks. Other major events include the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open golf tournament in February and the Metro FM Music Awards in April.

DAILY NEWS