South Africa Tourism Receipts
International tourism receipts ST.INT.RCPT.CD
South Africa's tourism receipts was $2.7B in 2020, ranked 36th globally. This represents a 70.0% decrease from 2019. Data from World Bank, covering 1995–2020.
Overview
South Africa's tourism receipts stood at $2.7B in 2020, a decline of +$6.3B from 2019. South Africa ranked 36th globally.
South Africa's tourism receipts have experienced significant fluctuations over the 26-year period from 1995 to 2020. Notably, the country's tourism industry reached its all-time peak in 2012, with receipts totaling 11,202,000,000.00, more than quadruple the 1995 trough of 2,654,000,000.00. However, by 2020, tourism receipts had declined to 2,716,000,000.00, ranking South Africa 36th globally. This decline is somewhat comparable to that of Lebanon, which also experienced a decline in tourism receipts over the same period. In contrast, peer countries such as the Philippines and Puerto Rico have maintained relatively stable or increasing tourism receipts. The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have contributed to the decline in South Africa's tourism industry, with international travel restrictions and health concerns affecting tourist arrivals. The trajectory of South Africa's tourism receipts may begin to recover as travel restrictions are lifted and the global economy stabilizes, but the industry's long-term growth prospects will depend on the country's ability to address ongoing challenges such as safety concerns and visa requirements.
Data & projection
| Year | Tourism Receipts | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $2.7B | −$6.3B | #36 |
| 2019 | $9.1B | −$725.0M | #35 |
| 2018 | $9.8B | +$83.0M | #34 |
| 2017 | $9.7B | +$899.0M | #31 |
| 2016 | $8.8B | −$333.0M | #31 |
| 2015 | $9.1B | −$1.3B | #30 |
| 2014 | $10.5B | +$16.0M | #27 |
| 2013 | $10.5B | −$734.0M | #24 |
| 2012 | $11.2B | +$496.0M | #23 |
| 2011 | $10.7B | +$397.0M | #22 |
| 2010 | $10.3B | +$1.6B | #23 |
| 2009 | $8.7B | −$494.0M | #25 |
| 2008 | $9.2B | −$1.0B | #27 |
| 2007 | $10.2B | +$1.0B | #24 |
| 2006 | $9.2B | +$582.0M | #20 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw tourism receipts improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's tourism receipts was $2.7B in 2020. Ranked 36th globally. This represents a 70.0% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's tourism receipts peaked at $11.2B in 2012.
The lowest tourism receipts in South Africa was $2.7B in 1995.
South Africa ranks 36th globally in tourism receipts as of 2020.
The World Bank indicator code is ST.INT.RCPT.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's tourism receipts was approximately 2.72 billion ($2.7B) in 2020.
The tourism receipts of South Africa in 2020 was $2.7B. This ranks 36th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_tourism-receipts,
title = {South Africa Tourism Receipts},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/tourism-receipts/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}