The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled a new report on May 26, 2025, highlighting optimistic job growth for South Africa’s Travel and tourism sector in 2025, though economic recovery is expected to progress at a more cautious pace.
The report projected a record-breaking 1.9 million jobs within the sector, surpassing pre-pandemic employment levels and highlighting its crucial role as a major employer and economic driver in the nation. This employment milestone, representing 11.3% of all jobs in South Africa, underscores the strong rebound in domestic travel demand and spending.
Tourists captured enjoying a scenic outdoor meal on safari, surrounded by the beauty of the South African savanna.
Despite this positive trend in job creation, the broader economic contributions from Travel and tourism are projected to remain below their 2019 peak. The sector’s total GDP contribution is expected to reach ZAR 659.8 billion, accounting for 8.9% of the national economy. While significant, this figure still trails the 2019 high by 3.4%.
Tourists captured enjoying a scenic outdoor meal on safari, surrounded by the beauty of the South African savanna.
Savouring a delicious morning meal in the heart of South Africa’s wild savanna, where adventure meets breathtaking beauty.
Furthermore, although international visitor spending is on an upward trajectory, it is projected at ZAR 128.4 billion for 2025, falling short of the 2019 figures by a substantial ZAR 37.7 billion.
According to WTTC, the data reveals the strength of domestic tourism, with spending projected to reach ZAR 445 billion in 2025, a 3.8% increase compared to 2019. This robust domestic demand is playing a key role in supporting the hospitality and leisure sectors nationwide, partially offsetting the lag in international tourism revenue. In comparison, international visitor spending in 2024 totalled ZAR 116.5 billion, while domestic travel accounted for ZAR 430 billion. The sector’s total contribution to GDP in 2024 was ZAR 618.7 billion, a 9.4% decrease from 2019.
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Looking ahead, the WTTC forecasts significant long-term growth. It predicts that by 2035, Travel and tourism could support 2.6 million jobs, representing 13.8% of the national workforce, with an additional 620,000 jobs created. The economic contribution is projected to grow to ZAR 911.7 billion, equating to a 10.3% share of GDP.
As South Africa prepares to assume the G20 Presidency in 2025, a unique opportunity arises to elevate Travel & Tourism on the global agenda. The WTTC is actively collaborating with the South African government, including Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, and key tourism stakeholders to leverage this platform. A key initiative will be the Investment Summit in September 2025, which aims to attract new capital and foster partnerships for sustainable tourism development.
The WTTC emphasises that achieving the projected long-term growth hinges on prioritising Travel & Tourism through enhanced public-private partnerships, strategic infrastructure investment, and supportive policy frameworks under strong leadership.
South Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector stands at a critical juncture. While record employment and strong domestic spending provide a solid foundation, strategic focus and collaboration will be essential to fully bridge the gap in overall GDP contribution and international visitor spending, unlocking the sector’s full potential for sustainable growth and economic diversification in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is the key positive finding of the WTTC research for South Africa’s tourism sector in 2025?
The research forecasts a record-breaking 1.9 million jobs in the Travel and tourism sector in South Africa by 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic employment levels.
How does the projected GDP contribution of tourism in 2025 compare to pre-pandemic levels?
While the total GDP contribution of Travel & Tourism is expected to reach ZAR 659.8 billion in 2025, it is still 3.4% below the 2019 peak.
What is driving the recovery in South Africa’s tourism sector?
Strong domestic travel demand and spending are significant drivers of the recovery.
How is international visitor spending projected to perform in 2025 compared to 2019?
International visitor spending is projected at ZAR 128.4 billion in 2025, which is still ZAR 37.7 billion lower than in 2019.
What opportunity does South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025 present for the tourism sector?
It provides a unique opportunity to prioritise Travel & Tourism globally and reinforce its growth potential through strategic leadership and collaboration.
What are the WTTC’s long-term forecasts for South Africa’s tourism sector by 2035?
By 2035, the sector could support 2.6 million jobs and contribute ZAR 911.7 billion to the GDP.
What is the focus of the upcoming Investment Summit in September 2025?
The summit will focus on catalysing new capital inflows and partnerships to support sustainable tourism development.
