Kenya and Ethiopia Drive South Africa's East African Visitor Arrivals Up 7.9% in 2026

Kenya, along with Ethiopia and other leading countries across Africa, is strengthening South Africa tourism as East and Central African visitor arrivals increased by seven point nine percent, rising from 23,795 visitors in Quarter One 2026 compared with the same period in Quarter One 2025, according to official Statistics South Africa data. The growth reflects expanding regional travel, stronger air connectivity, and increasing demand for business, leisure and cross-border tourism across the continent. Kenya remained the largest East African source market, while Ethiopia and several emerging African markets recorded steady growth. Global tourism continues to benefit from stronger intra-African mobility, supporting sustainable regional travel and economic integration. South Africa tourism continues to diversify as more visitors arrive from East and Central Africa, strengthening the country’s position as one of Africa’s leading international travel destinations. While neighbouring Southern African countries remain the largest source of international arrivals, recent official figures from Statistics South Africa show that East and Central African markets are becoming increasingly important. During the first quarter of 2026, arrivals from this region increased compared with the same period in 2025, reflecting stronger regional mobility, expanding air connectivity, growing business travel and increasing leisure tourism. The trend demonstrates how broader African travel is contributing to South Africa’s visitor economy and supporting hotels, airlines, attractions and tourism businesses throughout the country.