South Africa Tourism Revenues
International tourism receipts, current US dollars.
Tourism Revenues in South Africa decreased to 2.72 USD billion in 2020 from 9.06 USD billion in 2019.
South Africa Tourism Revenues — History
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South Africa Tourism Revenues — analysis in simple words
Latest reading
Tourism Revenues in South Africa decreased to 2.72 USD billion in 2020 from 9.06 USD billion in 2019.
Over the last three years it rose once and fell twice.
Recent trend
A year earlier (2019) it was $9.06B, so the latest figure is $6.35B lower.
Over the past five years the average was $8.02B, with a range from $2.72B to $9.79B. The latest value is below that five-year average.
Historical context
This data series starts in 1995 and has 26 annual observations. The latest reading is higher than 4% of all of them.
The highest value on record is $11.20B (2012) and the lowest is $2.65B (1995). The long-run average is $7.27B.
Compared with other countries
Among 141 economies with recent data, South Africa ranks 38th from the top. The median across all these economies is $0.87B, so South Africa is above the typical country.
Among 14 major economies tracked on this site it ranks 14th.
Within Sub-Saharan Africa (30 economies with data) it ranks 1st; the regional median is $0.20B.
Statistics
- Latest
- $2.72B2020
- Previous
- $9.06B
- 5-year average
- $8.02B
- Long-run average
- $7.27Bsince 1995
- All-time high
- $11.20B2012
- All-time low
- $2.65B1995
- Observations
- 26Annual
Recent Data
| Period | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $2.72B | ▼ −6.35 |
| 2019 | $9.06B | ▼ −0.73 |
| 2018 | $9.79B | ▲ +0.08 |
| 2017 | $9.71B | ▲ +0.90 |
| 2016 | $8.81B | ▼ −0.33 |
| 2015 | $9.14B | ▼ −1.34 |
| 2014 | $10.48B | ▲ +0.02 |
| 2013 | $10.47B | ▼ −0.73 |
| 2012 | $11.20B | ▲ +0.50 |
| 2011 | $10.71B | ▲ +0.40 |
| 2010 | $10.31B | ▲ +1.63 |
| 2009 | $8.68B | ▼ −0.49 |
| 2008 | $9.18B | ▼ −1.05 |
| 2007 | $10.23B | ▲ +1.02 |
| 2006 | $9.21B | ▲ +0.58 |
| 2005 | $8.63B | ▲ +1.06 |
| 2004 | $7.57B | ▲ +0.90 |
| 2003 | $6.67B | ▲ +2.98 |
| 2002 | $3.70B | ▲ +0.44 |
| 2001 | $3.26B | ▼ −0.08 |
| 2000 | $3.34B | ▼ −0.07 |
| 1999 | $3.41B | ▼ −0.01 |
| 1998 | $3.42B | ▼ −0.00 |
| 1997 | $3.42B | ▲ +0.29 |
| 1996 | $3.14B | ▲ +0.48 |
| 1995 | $2.65B |
Tourism Revenues — South Africa vs Peers
Latest available reading for each economy (periods may differ). South Africa highlighted.
More South Africa indicators
Understanding Tourism Revenues — a simple guide
What it measures
International tourism receipts, current US dollars.
How it is calculated
Spending by international visitors, in US dollars.
Hotel stays, meals and tours paid by foreign tourists.
Higher receipts strengthen the services balance.
Lower receipts reduce foreign-exchange earnings.
Why it matters for the economy and markets
Tourism receipts support the services balance and foreign-exchange earnings.
How to read it
Compare with exports to gauge dependence on tourism.
Data source
World Bank — World Development Indicators (series ST.INT.RCPT.CD), annual data from 1995 to 2020. Values are shown exactly as published by the source and may be revised later.
How to use the chart
Use the 5Y / 10Y / 25Y / Max buttons to change the time range, or drag the slider under the chart. Hover (or tap) on the line to see the exact value for any period. Dashed lines and hatched bars are IMF projections, not actual data. The “Download CSV” button gives you the full data series.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current tourism revenues of South Africa?
What is the highest and lowest tourism revenues of South Africa?
What does tourism revenues measure?
Data are sourced from official international organisations (IMF, World Bank, BIS) and national authorities, and are shown for educational and informational purposes only. They are not investment advice and no recommendation is made. Figures may be revised by the source; IMF figures for the current and future years are projections. This page was last updated on Saturday, October 17, 2026.