South Africa's Tourism Sector Feels Impact Of Anti-Immigrant Protests

South Africa’s tourism industry says it is beginning to feel the impact of the ongoing anti-migrant protests, with reports of cancelled bookings from several African countries prompting a response from South African Tourism.

In a statement issued on May 28, the tourism agency said it is concerned about growing reports that travellers across Africa are reconsidering trips to South Africa following the recent protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals.

The organisation warned that the unrest threatens not only social cohesion but also confidence in South Africa as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations.

“As an organisation committed to promoting South Africa as a welcoming and inclusive destination, we unequivocally condemn all acts of intimidation, violence, discrimination, and unlawful conduct directed at foreign nationals,” the statement said.

The comments come amid increasing tensions in parts of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban, where anti-immigration protests have intensified in the past weeks. Some demonstrations reportedly turned violent, with foreign-owned businesses looted and migrants attacked.

The unrest has sparked concern across the continent, particularly because African travellers form South Africa’s largest tourism market.

South African Tourism acknowledged the importance of those regional ties, saying the country’s relationship with the rest of Africa is built on “deep historical, cultural and economic ties.”

Tourism analysts say perceptions of insecurity could discourage both leisure and business travel to South Africa at a time when the sector is still recovering from previous economic setbacks and pandemic-era losses.

According to industry data from the South African government, visitors from other African countries account for the majority of international arrivals into South Africa each year.

Several African governments have already responded to the violence. Ghana recently began voluntary repatriation arrangements for some of its citizens in South Africa after hundreds reportedly registered to return home, with about 300 of them already evacuated.

Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Malawi have also raised concerns over the safety of their nationals.

South African Tourism attempted to distance the government and wider population from the attacks, insisting that the violence represents the actions of a minority group rather than national policy.

“The recent vigilante-style actions and criminal behaviour witnessed in certain communities are acts of a minority and do not represent the views of the overwhelming majority of South Africans,” the statement stated.

The organisation also stressed that immigration concerns should be addressed through lawful institutions rather than through violence or intimidation.

Human rights organizations have, meanwhile, warned that recurring xenophobic tensions continue to damage South Africa’s image internationally and create fear among migrant communities. 

Despite the tensions, South African Tourism said authorities are monitoring the situation closely while the government continues engaging communities to maintain stability.

The agency said it remains committed to rebuilding confidence among travellers and protecting South Africa’s reputation as a premier tourism destination on the continent.