Travel & Tourism Employment in South Africa Set to Hit Record High, But Key Challenges Remain
London, UK - New data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed South Africa's Travel & Tourism sector is projected to reach a major milestone this year, set to support more jobs than ever before, but wider data points to a sector still in recovery mode.
According to WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), in 2025 Travel & Tourism is forecast to support 1.9 million jobs, surpassing 2019 levels and marking an all-time high, underlining its role as a key employer and major source of opportunity, with the sector accounting for 11.3% of all jobs in South Africa.
Domestic visitor spending continues to show stronger resilience, with 2025 total forecast at ZAR 445 billion, 3.8% above 2019 levels.
But while employment is set to reach an all-time high and domestic spending continues to grow, Travel &Tourism's contribution to GDP and international visitor spend, continues to lag.
Travel & Tourism's total contribution to the economy is projected to reach ZAR 659.8BN, equivalent to 8.9% of national GDP, but still 3.4% shy of the 2019 peak.
International visitor spending, while set to grow steadily, is expected to remain below pre pandemic levels at ZAR 128.4BN, trailing 2019 by ZAR 37.7BN
South Africa's Travel & Tourism sector is slowly turning the corner. Jobs are leading the recovery, with employment expected to reach new highs, showing the enormous human impact of the sector's growth. As South Africa takes on the G20 Presidency in 2025, it has a unique opportunity to place Travel & Tourism at the heart of its agenda. WTTC is delighted to be working with Minister Patricia de Lille, a truly dynamic Minister, in contributing to the G20 process, including an Investment Summit in September. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO
Drawing from 2024
In 2024, WTTC South Africa's Travel & Tourism contributed ZAR 618.7BN to the nation's economy - 9.4% below 2019, whilst the sector employed 1.8MN people.
International visitor spending reached ZAR 116.5BN, whilst domestic spending hit ZAR430BN.
A Decade of Opportunity
WTTC believes that with the right national priorities, strengthened public-private collaboration under the powerful leadership of Minister Patricia de Lille, South Africa can unlock a new era of unprecedented growth.
The global tourism body forecasts strong momentum through 2035, with Travel & Tourism adding an additional 620,000 new jobs, reaching a total of 2.6MN – 13.8% of the country's workforce.
The sector's economic contribution could grow to ZAR 911.7BN, representing a 10.3% share of GDP.
For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub.
All figures given in ZAR
About WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector.
WTTC Press Office
WTTC
View source
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hospitality Net
11 hours ago
- Hospitality Net
Travel & Tourism in Egypt Reaches Historic Milestones
London, UK - The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed record-breaking data for Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector, with 2024 marking the highest-ever contribution to the national economy, and 2025 forecast to surpass that record once again. According to WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the sector contributed EGP 1.4TN to Egypt's GDP in 2024, accounting for 8.5% of the national economy. Looking ahead, 2025 is projected to set a new all-time high with a forecast annual growth of 4.9% and increase in the sector's share to 8.6% of national GDP. This underlines the central role of Travel & Tourism in Egypt's continued economic development. Visitor Spending Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Records 2024 also marked the strongest year on record for visitor spending. International visitor expenditure reached EGP 726.9BN, up 36.1% compared to 2019, while domestic visitor spending rose to EGP 449.9BN, 31.8% above pre-pandemic levels. This upward trend is set to continue. In 2025, international visitor spending is projected to increase to EGP 768.2BN, and domestic spending is expected to reach EGP 460.6BN, maintaining the country's strong recovery and sustained demand across both international and local travel. Employment Growth Exceeds 2019 Levels In addition to record-breaking economic contribution and visitor spending, in 2024, the sector supported 2.7 million jobs, exceeding the 2019 peak. This growth is set to continue, with 2025 employment forecast to rise to 2.9 million, marking a 22.3% increase compared to 2019. Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with record-breaking economic contribution and a sustained surge in visitor spending. These numbers reflect a sector on the rise: dynamic, resilient, and vital to the country's growth. With its rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and growing connectivity, Egypt continues to captivate travellers from around the globe. The government's focus on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism is clearly paying off. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO A Decade of Growth WTTC forecasts a decade of sustained expansion for Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector. By 2035, the sector is expected to contribute EGP 2.1TN to the national economy, accounting for 8.4% of GDP. Employment is projected to reach 3.8 million jobs, representing 10.5% of total employment, and highlighting the sector's critical role in job creation. Over the same period, international visitor spending is expected to rise to EGP 1.1TN, while domestic spending is forecast to reach EGP 627BN, reflecting Egypt's potential to become one of the region's most vibrant and sustainable tourism economies. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub. Editors Notes All figures given in EGP About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector. WTTC Press Office WTTC View source
Hospitality Net
a day ago
- Hospitality Net
France Set to Maintain Unmatched 2024 Growth in Travel & Tourism
London, UK - France's Travel & Tourism sector reached new historic heights in 2024 and is on track to exceed this exceptional performance throughout 2025, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), produced in collaboration with Oxford Economics, confirms that in 2024, Travel & Tourism in France surpassed all previous records across economic contribution, employment, and visitor spending, solidifying the country's leadership as the world's most visited destination. The sector contributed €266.2BN to the French economy, 10.1% above 2019 levels and equivalent to 9.1% of the national GDP. Travel & Tourism also supported three million jobs, employing 300,000 more people than in 2019. International visitor spending reached €72.5BN, while domestic visitor spending climbed to €142.1BN, reflecting strong and balanced demand, seeing a hike of 7.1% and 5.7% on peak levels, respectively. 2025: Sustaining Record Momentum According to WTTC projections, 2025 is expected to continue this upward trajectory and improve on the previous year's historic peak across all analysed metrics. The sector is forecast to contribute €274.2BN to the GDP, increasing to 9.3% share of the economy, while employment is expected to reach 3.1 million jobs – nearly 1 in 10 people employed by Travel & Tourism in France. International visitor spending is projected to rise to €75.1BN, with domestic spend reaching €144.2BN. This enduring performance highlights France's strong tourism fundamentals, from world-class cultural and leisure assets to robust transport infrastructure and sustained government support. France continues to set the pace for Travel & Tourism worldwide. After a historic 2024, the sector is expected to maintain its growth into 2025 and beyond. The successful hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games showcased France on the global stage, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination with the capacity to deliver exceptional experiences at scale. France remains a beacon for travellers globally. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO Looking Ahead to 2035: A Decade of Opportunity WTTC forecasts that by 2035, Travel & Tourism in France could contribute €308.4BN to the national economy, equivalent to 9.4% of GDP, and support 3.5 million jobs — representing 11.2% of total employment. The sector is expected to remain a pillar of growth and opportunity, driven by evolving consumer trends, growing global demand, and investments in innovation and sustainability. A Glimpse into the European Union In 2024, the EU Travel & Tourism sector contributed almost €1.8TN to the region's GDP, representing more than 10% of the Bloc's economy, and above 2019 levels by almost 6%. The sector's employment grew by 4.7%, year-on-year, to 24.6 million jobs, accounting for one in nine jobs across the region. By 2025, WTTC forecasts that the EU Travel & Tourism sector will reach almost €1.9TN, representing 10.5% of the EU economy. Employment linked to the sector is estimated to total 25.7 million people, or 12% of the regional total. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub. About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector. WTTC Press Office WTTC View source
Hospitality Net
4 days ago
- Hospitality Net
Australia's Travel & Tourism Sector Set to Reach Record $315BN in 2025
London, UK - Australia's Travel & Tourism sector is set for another record-breaking year in 2025, set to inject $314.4BN into the national economy, according to new figures from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) from the global tourism body shows the sector is forecast to rise almost a third above pre-pandemic levels - equivalent to 11.4% of GDP. This strong growth reflects the continued recovery and resilience of Australia's tourism economy, with a boost from international demand and a thriving domestic travel market. In 2025, the Travel & Tourism is projected to support 1.7MN jobs, representing over 11.5% of national employment, and 100,000 more jobs than last year. Visitor spending continues to rise across the board, with international visitor spending predicted to reach $39BN, nearly 22% above 2024, setting a record new milestone for Australia. Domestic visitor spending is forecast to climb to almost $173BN. Together, these figures underscore Australia's status as a top-tier global destination, known for its diverse natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and world-class tourism infrastructure. Australia is proving once again that it is a powerhouse for Travel & Tourism. This record contribution to the economy and workforce reflects years of collaboration between industry and government. I was delighted to see this momentum firsthand in Perth last year when Tourism Western Australia hosted WTTC's Global Summit – a clear signal of the country's leadership in the global tourism sector. From the cities to the outback, and coast to coast, Australia offers unforgettable experiences. With continued investment in connectivity, sustainability, and experience design, the outlook for the next decade is incredibly promising. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO Reflecting on 2024 In 2024, Australia's Travel & Tourism sector contributed $297BN to the national economy and supported 1.6MN jobs. International visitor spending totalled $32.1BN and domestic visitor spending reached $123.7BN, making up the lion's share of the recovery. Looking Ahead to 2035 WTTC forecasts that by 2035, the sector will contribute over $406BN to Australia's economy, an almost 12% share of GDP, and support more than 2.1MN jobs. Visitor spending is also expected to grow steadily. International visitor spending is forecast reach more than $52BN while domestic visitor spending is projected to hit almost $221BN. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub . About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector. WTTC Press Office WTTC View source
