This monthly statistical release provides information on South African residents and foreign travellers who entered or left South Africa specific focus is on foreign tourists who entered the country in January 2025. Tourists are classified by region and country of residence.   Number of travellers The routine data collected by the DHA immigration officers at the ports of entry into and out of South Africa shows that a total of 3 088 791 travellers (arrivals, departures and transits) passed through South African ports in January 2025. These travellers were made up of 813 535 South African residents and 2 275 256 foreign travellers. A further breakdown of the figures for South African residents indicates that there were 470 486 arrivals, 342 632 departures and 417 travellers in transit. The corresponding volume for foreign arrivals, departures and travellers in transit was 1 310 377, 934 182 and 30 697 respectively.   A comparison between the movements in December 2024 and January 2025 indicates that the volume of arrivals increased for both South African residents and foreign travellers. In contrast, the volume of departures and transits decreased for both groups of travellers. For South African residents, the volume of arrivals increased by 0,6% (from 467 578 in December 2024 to 470 486 in January 2025). Departures decreased by 39,7% (from 568 257 in December 2024 to 342 632 in January 2025) and transits decreased by 21,5% (from 531 in December 2024 to 417 in January 2025).   For foreign travellers, arrivals increased by 7,8% (from 1 215 250 in December 2024 to 1 310 377 in January 2025), departures decreased by 19,0% (from 1 152 618 in December 2024 to 934 182 in January 2025), and transits decreased by 7,4% (from 33 142 in December 2024 to 30 697 in January 2025).   A comparison between the movements in January 2024 and January 2025 indicates that the volume of arrivals, departures and transits decreased for South African residents but increased for foreign travellers. For South African residents, the volume of arrivals decreased by 8,3% (from 513 276 in January 2024 to 470 486 in January 2025), departures decreased by 4,1% (from 357 249 in January 2024 to 342 632 in January 2025) and transits decreased by 17,8% (from 507 in January 2024 to 417 in January 2025).   For foreign travellers, arrivals increased by 4,6% (from 1 253 216 in January 2024 to 1 310 377 in January 2025), departures increased by 6,3% (from 879 052 in January 2024 to 934 182 in January 2025) and transits increased by 1,9% (from 30 131 in January 2024 to 30 697 in January 2025).   Mode of travel of travellers In January 2025, road was the most common mode of travel used by 2 020 021 (65,4%) of the 3 088 791 travellers. The total number of air travellers was 1 030 313 (33,4%). Compared to air and road, a smaller number of travellers, 38 457 (1,2%) used sea into and out of South Africa.   Information on arrivals of South African residents shows that 224 380 (47,7%) came by air, 232 402 (49,4%) came by road and 13 704 (2,9%) arrived by sea. For departures, 165 060 (48,2%) used air, 164 105 (47,9%) used road and 13 467 (3,9%) left by sea. All travellers in transit, 417 (100,0%) used air.   In the case of foreign travellers, 289 975 (22,1%) arrived by air, 1 017 594 (77,7%) came by road and 2 808 (0,2%) arrived by sea. When departing South Africa, 319 784 (34,2%) foreign travellers left by air, 605 920 (64,9%) left by road and 8 478 (0,9%) left by sea. Of all travellers in transit, 30 697 (100,0%) used air.   Purpose of visit of tourists   It is observed that in January 2025, the majority of tourists, 988 932 (97,5%), were in South Africa for holiday compared to 17 655 (1,7%); 7 147 (0,7%) and 250 (less than 0,1%) who were in South Africa for business, study and medical treatment respectively.   Majority of African tourists, 781 828 (97,4%) came to South Africa for holiday. However, the following differences in terms of reasons for travel were observed between tourists from the SADC countries and ‘other’ African countries, namely: • Holiday makers constituted 97,6% (768 434) of tourists from SADC countries compared to 89,8% (13 394) from ‘other’ African countries. Information on the regions of ‘other’ African countries shows that 90,9% (5 784) of tourists from West Africa were on holiday, followed by tourists from East and Central Africa, 89,3% (6 331) and those from North Africa, 87,2% (1 279). • Business persons constituted 1,8% (14 492) of tourists from SADC countries compared to 2,6% (391) from ‘other’ African countries. North Africa, 5,6% (82) had the highest proportion of tourists who came to South Africa for business purposes, followed by East and Central Africa, 2,3% (165) and West Africa, 2,3% (144). • Students constituted 0,6% (4 468) of tourists from SADC countries compared with 7,3% (1 095) from ‘other’ African countries. East and Central Africa, 8,0% (564) had the highest proportion of tourists who came to South Africa for study purposes, followed by North Africa, 7,1% (104) and West Africa, 6,7% (427). • Tourists who came for medical treatment constituted less than 0,1% (166) of tourists from SADC countries, while those from ‘other’ African countries constituted 0,3% (41). East and Central Africa, 0,4% (31) had the highest proportion of tourists who came for medical treatment, followed by North Africa, 0,1% (2) and West Africa, 0,1% (8).   Mode of travel of tourists Tourists are categorised by their countries of residence and regions. Information on the specific region and country of residence of tourists and the mode of travel used to enter South Africa is provided in Annexure B on pages 15 to 18, whereas the port of entry used by tourists is provided in Annexure D on page 23. As shown in Figure 6 below, 199 586 (94,7%) overseas tourists

How are properties performing compared to previous years? What are the latest travel trends? And in a softening market, how can independent hoteliers drive growth? In the wake of the pandemic, hotels saw surging demand and soaring costs. By 2024, growth began to level off, but costs remained high. In 2025, these conditions are expected to persist, compounded by increasing price sensitivity among travelers and an ongoing labor crisis — putting even greater pressure on profitability.   For independent hotels, 2025 is the year of optimizing performance — striving for the best possible results across marketing, revenue management, operations, and the guest experience — in a market that demands agility.   6 trends shaping independent properties today TREND 1 – AI enhances the hotel workforce Artificial intelligence is changing the way people discover destinations and plan trips; now, it’s set to transform hotel operations. AI isn’t replacing employees – it’s acting as an intelligent assistant, automating routine tasks and empowering employees with data and insights to effectively engage guests – from answering queries to suggesting relevant upsells and offers.   TREND 2 – From search to suggestion: AI & influencer-led travel planning Hotel marketing is undergoing a seismic shift. Travelers no longer want to dig through endless search results – they expect instant recommendations tailored to their needs. Instead of searching Google for ‘best boutique hotels in Paris,’ they turn to influencers on TikTok and Instagram and AI travel planners like ChatGPT, Gemini, and TripGenie to be told where to stay.   TREND 3 – The hospitality talent crunch deepens Labor shortages continue to strain the industry, driving up costs and increasing turnover. Hotel jobs often involve long hours, physical demands, and difficult guest interactions, all of which contribute to burnout.   In 2025, tighter immigration policies in regions like Europe and North America may further restrict the available workforce. Meanwhile, branded hotels are actively recruiting staff from independent properties, offering career advancement opportunities, travel perks, and chainwide benefits. TREND 4 – The revenue renaissance: A new approach to hotel profitability Revenue management as we know it has changed forever. With rising costs and softer room demand, hotels can no longer rely solely on room revenue to drive profitability. Every space, service, and guest interaction must be optimized.   This shift is part of a broader transformation: commercial revenue management. Rather than operating in silos, revenue, sales, and marketing teams are aligning under a unified strategy to capture demand and drive maximum profitability. AI-powered revenue management is at the heart of this shift, moving beyond static pricing models to intelligent systems that analyze, predict, and act in real time.   Beyond pricing rooms, they must analyze total revenue, leverage AI-driven insights, and collaborate across departments to drive profitability. Those who embrace this next era of revenue management will not only adapt to changing market dynamics but position themselves for long-term, sustainable success.   TREND 5 – Value-driven travel takes center stage In 2024, travelers largely shrugged off inflation, continuing to take trips and even upgrading their experiences. This year, inflation fatigue has set in, weakening hotel pricing power. According to STR and Tourism Economics, price sensitivity is now a defining factor in travel decision-making.   The WTM Global Travel Report 2024 describes today’s traveler as “an increasingly price-conscious and brand-agnostic consumer, willing to trade up or down, balancing financial considerations with a greater appreciation of comfort and experiences.”   Rate resistance is affecting all lodging segments, though ultra-luxury properties have remained resilient. Meanwhile, low- and middle-income households are cutting discretionary spending, with some forgoing vacations entirely. Hotels across all price points should expect greater scrutiny on pricing and perceived value this year. Many travelers will be looking for ways to stretch their budgets– opting for shorter stays, closer destinations, and more affordable accommodations, while aggressively seeking deals.   TREND 6 – Hotels feel the squeeze as costs rise Travelers aren’t alone in feeling the pressure of rising costs. While inflation cooled during 2024, hotel operational expenses remain high, squeezing profit margins. In 2025, the trajectory of inflation remains uncertain. Independent properties, which lack the economies of scale of branded properties, are particularly vulnerable.   Thriving in a changing landscape Independent lodging operators have always been the trailblazers of hospitality, unbound by brand constraints and free to craft unique experiences. Today, rising costs, labor shortages, and shifting traveler behavior present real challenges – but they also open the door to innovation and growth.   By leveraging the best of modern technology, befriending AI, refining operations,and investing in both talent and guest satisfaction, hoteliers can turn obstacle into opportunities and adaptability into a lasting competitive advantage. Copyright: https://go.pardot.com/

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