This is according to the latest tourism statistics released by Statistics South Africa. The latest figures show that more than 760 000 tourists arrived in the country in May this year. 

This is 11% more than in May 2015, and when comparing the international arrivals over five months – from January to May – more than 4.2 million entered the country. 

The national Tourism department says the increase of 15.7% compared to the same period last year is more than three times the average annual global growth rates experienced internationally. 

It is, however, not yet known how the terror alerts by the United States and Australian governments issued to South Africa just a month later impacted tourism. 

The warnings noted these governments received information that terrorist groups are planning to carry out attacks at malls in Johannesburg and Cape Town. 

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister, Derek Hanekom, said growth in international tourist arrivals is wonderful because it will have a multiplier effect on the many industries that support tourism.

OFM News