International and continental arrivals in South Africa have increased despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to global flight disruptions and surging ticket prices, as well as recent anti-illegal immigrant sentiment in the country.
According to Statistics South Africa’s monthly International Tourism Report, the country recorded 989,329 international tourist arrivals in April 2026, marking a 19.5% increase compared with the same period last year.
The total number of arrivals from January to April 2026 increased by 14.1% year-on-year to 3,899,358 — an additional 482,935 international arrivals compared with the same period in 2025.
Welcoming the report, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said South Africa had not only defended its tourism markets, but had also grown in some regions despite challenges in the Middle East and domestically.
“This is our highest monthly year-on-year increase since the start of the year, meaning the country has not only defended its markets but has also grown in some regions,” said De Lille.
Meanwhile, speaking on YOU FM Newshour, department spokesperson Aldrin Sampear said the figures were the result of decisions taken to explore alternative source markets, including engagements led by Minister De Lille with the aviation sector, trade partners and tour operators to encourage them to bring tourists into the country.
“This can also be attributed to the recently launched electronic travel authorisation visa, which we believe many tourists have been using. We may have to review that data in these recent statistics,” explained the spokesperson.
Sampear, however, raised concern over recent attacks linked to anti-illegal migrant sentiment in the country.
“It is a concern and something that has been addressed by the President. Of course, we are saying this is a police matter. It is something that the police need to deal with, and government has had that security cluster meeting to respond to these attacks,” remarked Sampear.
The report revealed that inbound travel from Singapore increased by 70.5% (938 arrivals) in April 2026, while arrivals from Brazil increased by 37.5% (5,953 arrivals) during the same month.
“The highest international arrivals, however, are coming from the United Kingdom, followed by the SADC countries, which have recorded an increase in tourists choosing South Africa as their preferred destination,” highlighted Sampear.
The department has also welcomed Brazilian carrier LATAM Airlines’s announcement that it will launch three weekly direct flights between São Paulo and Cape Town in July.
“The airline was initially scheduled to launch these flights in September, but has brought the date forward due to increased demand,” said Sampear.
In addition, Spanish carrier Air Europa has announced that it will launch its inaugural direct flight between Madrid and Johannesburg in June.
