Tourist Accommodation Performance
In September 2024, the tourist accommodation industry demonstrated robust growth, with total income increasing by 8.6% compared to the previous year. Key highlights include:
- Accommodation income rose by 13.9% year-on-year
- Stay unit nights sold increased by 3.5%
- Average income per stay unit night grew by 10.1%
Primary contributors to growth were:
- Hotels: 15.9% increase (9.1 percentage points)
- Other accommodation: 12.9% increase (4.6 percentage points)
The third quarter of 2024 saw a 9.0% increase in accommodation income compared to 2023, with other accommodation and hotels leading the expansion.
Food and Beverage Industry Trends
The food and beverages sector experienced a different trajectory, with challenges in September 2024:
- Total income decreased by 5.4% in real terms
- Significant declines in ‘other’ income (-23.0%) and bar sales (-11.5%)
- Restaurants and coffee shops saw a 6.6% reduction
- Takeaway and fast-food outlets experienced a 4.3% decline
The third quarter showed a 3.0% overall income decrease, primarily driven by restaurant and coffee shop performance.
International Tourism Snapshot
October 2024 revealed considerable international travel activity through South African ports:
- Total travellers: 2,365,952
- Foreign travellers: 1,722,978
- Total visitors: 891,341
- Overnight tourists: 705,257
Visitor breakdown by region:
- Overseas: 189,575
- SADC countries: 499,446
- Other African countries: 15,132
- Unspecified: 1,104
These statistics provide a comprehensive overview of South Africa’s tourism and hospitality sectors during the specified period.
1] StatsSA Tourist Accommodation reports for September 2024
Download addresses –
Tourist accommodation – Key findings – https://www.statssa.gov.za/?page_id=1856&PPN=P6410&SCH=73738
Tourist accommodation – Full publication – https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P6410/P6410September2024.pdf
2] StatsSA Food & Beverage reports for September 2024
Download addresses –
Food & Beverage: Key findings – https://www.statssa.gov.za/?page_id=1856&PPN=P6420&SCH=73740
Food & Beverage: Full publication – https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P6420/P6420September2024.pdf
3] StatsSA – International Tourism report for October 2024
Download address –
Key findings – https://www.statssa.gov.za/?page_id=1856&PPN=P0350&SCH=73937
Full publication – https://www.statssa.gov.za/?page_id=1856&PPN=P0350&SCH=73937
