Gauteng’s tourism economy is falling behind national recovery trends despite its position as South Africa’s commercial gateway, according to the 2025 provincial tourism data, which is negatively impacting economic growth and job creation.
This was revealed in a reply to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to the MEC for Economic Development, Lebogang Maile.
Nationally, tourism has shown strong momentum. Domestic overnight trips grew to 12.1 million in quarter two in 2025, an increase of 30.7% year on year. However, Gauteng moved in the opposite direction, recording a 39.7% drop in domestic overnight trips in quarter one and a further 25.8% decline in quarter two. This equates to a drop of nearly R2 billion in the first quarter and R1 billion in the second quarter, when compared to the same periods in the previous year.
Visitor spending is also shrinking. Gauteng’s domestic overnight spend fell 31.3% in quarter one and another 23.3% in quarter two, even as other provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo recorded strong growth in trip volumes.
The steep decline in bed nights, including a dramatic 60.7% drop in quarter two, is particularly damaging, as travellers who stay for shorter periods spend significantly less across accommodation, food services, retail, and entertainment.
At the same time, national travel behaviour is shifting. More South Africans are travelling to visit friends and relatives (VRF), which contributes more than 55% of domestic trips, but this segment typically spends far less than holiday or business travellers. Holiday travel has also declined sharply across both quarters.
Although Gauteng remains South Africa’s leading international hub, attracting over 4.4 million international arrivals in 2025, nearly 38% of the national total, the domestic tourism downturn is limiting the province’s overall economic performance.
These statistics highlight the importance of a renewed provincial effort to stimulate demand and boost competitiveness.
Furthermore, these statistics contradict the bold pronouncements by Premier Panyaza Lesufi and his MEC for Economic Development, Lebogang Maile. Their programmes have failed, and they hold responsibility for this failure.
The DA would introduce a stronger, more focused provincial strategy to reverse these declines and grow the tourism economy, which would include:
• Rebuilding Gauteng’s appeal for domestic leisure travel through value-driven, short break urban experiences.
• Revitalising business and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism, which remains weak despite Gauteng’s economic status.
• Encouraging higher spending from VFR travellers by promoting local attractions and affordable cultural experiences.
• Strengthening safety and upgrading public infrastructure around key tourism nodes.
• Supporting tourism SMMEs, which have been hardest hit by falling trip volumes and declining stay lengths.
The tourism sector remains a critical driver of employment and economic activity. These statistics highlight the importance of a renewed provincial effort to stimulate demand and boost competitiveness. A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would ensure that this province improves its gateway status to become a leading destination for domestic and international travellers to the greatest extent and harness a massive job-creation potential.