South Africa’s tourism sector is showing renewed strength, with Durban reporting a significant increase in visitor numbers in 2025, while the South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced free entry to 21 of its parks this September as part of the 20th annual SA National Parks Week.
Together, these developments highlight a promising resurgence for the country’s travel and tourism industry, which continues to recover after years of global and domestic disruptions.
Durban Tourism Bounces Back
According to the Research and Data Unit of South African Tourism, eThekwini recorded exceptional growth in both international and domestic travel from January to May 2025.
- Over 186,000 additional international arrivals were recorded compared to the same period in 2024.
- This generated more than R750 million in combined spend, bolstered by strong retail activity and dining experiences.
- Domestic tourism also surged, with 2.8 million trips taken to Durban, contributing R4.8 billion to the economy.
The Easter holiday period in April 2025 was a standout, contributing R115.9 million, a 48% year-on-year increase. May surpassed April, reaching R844 million, marking a 50% month-on-month growth.
Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Tshwane remain the largest domestic source markets, while international visitors came predominantly from Mozambique, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
EThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele said the results affirm Durban’s reputation as a leading leisure and business travel hub.
“Durban is not only bouncing back; we are setting the pace for tourism recovery in South Africa. These results are a clear signal that our investments in marketing and infrastructure are paying off,” Mbhele said.
Free Access to National Parks
In a move that further boosts domestic tourism, SANParks announced that 21 national parks will offer free entry from 22–26 September 2025, with selected parks extending the offer to 27–28 September. The initiative, now in its 20th year, is designed to foster national pride and encourage South Africans to connect with the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
The official launch will take place at Kruger National Park on 21 September, with a celebratory event marking the milestone.
While entry fees are waived, the offer does not cover accommodation, guided tours, or additional activities. Full details of participating parks and dates are available on the SANParks website.
SANParks said the initiative has proven highly successful since its inception in 2006, attracting thousands of first-time visitors each year and raising awareness about conservation and sustainable development.
A Boost for National Tourism
Tourism analysts note that Durban’s resurgence, combined with SANParks’ campaign, underscores a broader trend of recovery in South Africa’s tourism economy. By encouraging both local and international visitors, the initiatives are expected to strengthen job creation, support small businesses, and drive sustainable growth in the sector.
