South Africa welcomed more than 2.2 million international tourists this year

South Africa's tourism improved significantly in the first six months of this year with the country welcoming more than 2.2 million international tourists, a 147 percent increase from the same period last year, due to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu released figures for January to June last week. Europe accounted for the biggest tourist arrivals with a 563 percent increase, followed by the United States with a 331 percent increase. Tourist arrivals from Asia and the Pacific are slower than in other areas owing to border closures and strict travel policies necessitated by the resurgence of COVID-19. The African air industry brought more than 1.6 million arrivals to South Africa, which is a 109 percent increase but still 50 percent below 2019 levels.

"We are poised for a tremendous bounce back and positive growth as a sector. We are also seeing a steady increase in global seat capacity," Sisulu said.

Total foreign direct spending in the first six months of this year increased by 169 percent, while domestic travel increased by 114 percent reaching 15.2 million trips.

"The numbers we are presenting today show unequivocally that there is renewed hope on the horizon. We are supporting efforts by the industry to resolve the bottlenecks in visas, including at the Cabinet level," Sisulu said. "We will continue to intensify targeted communication on our digital platforms to sell South Africa as a destination of choice, inviting the world to come and 'Live Again' with us," she added.

South Africa predicts tourist arrivals will reach 2019 levels in 2025.

South Africa is piloting e-visas with selected countries and has removed the requirement for negative COVID-19 test results for those entering the country. However, vaccination certificates are still required, as reported by China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.