'Absolute nonsense' - Minister De Lille shuts down tourism growth stats debate

South Africa's Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has dismissed comments made by the CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) about growing tourism numbers.

This week, Statistics SA revealed numbers that reflect significant growth for the tourism industry in 2025.

Over 10.48 million international visitors arrived last year, and arrivals from January to December in 2025 were up by around 17.7% compared to the previous year.

But the TBCSA's Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa says most of the upswing is due to travel between SADC countries.

"You could also pose the question whether this is pure travel or economic migration," Tshivhengwa told 702/CapeTalk earlier this week.

He added that while international arrivals figures outside of the African continent have spiked by almost 12%, this is still below the pre-COVID figure.

But according to De Lille, Tshivhengwa's comments are 'absolute nonsense'.

"If he wants to make a distinction between our brothers and sisters coming from Africa, that they are not international, then that's his problem."

The Department's figures come from StatsSA, the World Tourism and Trade Council and the SA Chamber of Commerce, she says.

"Even the Cabinet, the President, everybody has acknowledged the growth of tourism," says De Lille.

ALSO READ: Tourism recovery: Increase in 2025 overseas arrivals, but only US & Australia recover to pre-COVID levels

Tourism now supports close to 1.8 million jobs in South Africa, and De Lille says both international and domestic travel are playing a role.

"This was not by coincidence. We teamed up with the private sector and produced a Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, and we are working together and are very focused on what can lead to growth."

Moreover, De Lille credits the introduction of the country's first Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Visa with opening up large source markets such as China, India and Mexico.

"The system was tested during the G20; it's [now] much easier to come to South Africa."

ALSO READ: Record-breaking numbers confirm tourism once again driving SA economic growth, says Minister

To listen to De Lille in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: