South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the country is stepping up efforts to expand into new global tourism markets as international arrivals reached 10.5 million last year, showing strong growth in the region.
Speaking at the opening of the Africa Travel Indaba in Durban on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said the government was focusing on improving regional travel, expanding air connectivity and implementing visa reforms to position both South Africa and the continent as globally competitive tourism destinations.
Addressing delegates at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Center in Durban, he said tourism “has become a vibrant expression of who we are as a people” and highlighted South Africa's tourism reform and development path.
“Last year, South Africa welcomed 10.5 million international visitors to our shores, a clear sign that the world is rediscovering our country with renewed enthusiasm,” Ramaphosa said.
Three-quarters of international arrivals came from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, he said, adding, “Africans are choosing Africa.”
The President said South Africa is working with neighboring countries to advance the SADC Tourism Univisa system to enable seamless travel across the region.
“When Africans travel within Africa, we strengthen our economies, deepen our cultural ties and build a more integrated continent,” he said.
President Ramaphosa also linked tourism development to continental initiatives including the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union's Agenda 2063 vision for free movement across Africa.
“Africa is not waiting. Africa is leading,” he told delegates.
The three-day trade show, recognized as one of Africa's largest tourism marketing platforms and one of the top global tourism trade events, brings together tourism boards, airlines, buyers, exhibitors and government leaders from across the continent and international markets.
This year's event is organized under the theme “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa's Tourism Economy”.
According to organizers, more than 1,100 exhibitors and 900 buyers are participating in the 2026 edition.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said South Africa is no longer talking about the recovery of tourism after the Covid-19 pandemic, but about development.
“With a record-breaking 10.5 million international arrivals in 2025, we are no longer speaking of recovery, but of growth,” De Lille said.
He said the tourism sector accounts for 954,000 direct jobs and will contribute 4.9% of South Africa's GDP by 2024.
“Tourism is an economic catalyst and its impact is life-changing,” he said.
Both President Ramaphosa and De Lille talked about investing and upgrading key tourism infrastructure with the aim of expanding South Africa's tourism offering.
Ramaphosa referenced the upgraded Cape Agulhas lighthouse complex and the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Center in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, where the world's oldest dinosaur embryos were discovered.
De Lille meanwhile pointed to massive tourism investments, including a R24 billion expansion of the V&A Waterfront, a R10.5 billion investment in Winelands Airport and the R2.1 billion Club Med Beach and Safari Resort development in KwaZulu-Natal, which is expected to open in July.
“These are a demonstration of confidence in South Africa's tourism growth prospects,” De Lille said.
The government also used the event to promote South Africa's growing commercial tourism ambitions, with De Lille confirming that the country will host the SADC Heads of State Summit in Durban later this year, followed by a special World Economic Forum meeting and the 2027 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted with Zimbabwe and Namibia.
President Ramaphosa said reforms such as the electronic travel authorization system and the Digital Nomad Visa are aimed at making South Africa “more accessible, more competitive and more welcoming”.
The President described tourism as a sector capable of uplifting communities and supporting small businesses beyond major cities.
“The increase we have seen in tourism figures is not just of statistical interest,” he said. “They represent supported families, revitalized small businesses and communities that are being uplifted.”
The opening of Africa's Travel Indaba 2026 came alive when the Drakensberg Boys Choir and Durban Gospel Choir took to the stage. Their performance attracted smiles and applause from the delegates as they moved between uplifting choral pieces and well-loved African tunes. It showcased the cultural richness that underpins South Africa's tourism offering and helped set a welcoming tone for the event.
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