16 March 2017

Media Release 

Domestic tourism survey 2015

Domestic tourism declined between 2013 and 2015 with the total number of day trips decreasing from 54,4 million in 2013 to 48 million in 2014 and 44 million in 2015. Overnight trips decreased from 50,8 million in 2013 to 47,3 million in 2014 and 45,4 million in 2015. The Domestic Tourism 2015 report, released by Statistics South Africa today, further indicates that the highest number of trips was generated in December and January when compared to other months within the reference period.

Despite the downward trend, the total expenditure on day trips increased from R35 billion in 2013 to R39 billion in 2014. Overnight expenditure increased from R68,5 billion in 2013 to R71 billion in 2014. This increase in expenditure has largely been driven by increased spending in the higher living standard measure subgroup (i.e. LSM 8 – 10). Individuals in the LSM 1-4 were less likely to travel. There was a decline in total expenditure on domestic tourism in 2015 after an increase between 2013 and 2014.

The biggest spending during day trips was on shopping, domestic transport as well as food and beverages. Overnight expenditure was primarily on domestic transport, shopping, accommodation, food and beverages. Most money spent during day trips was spent in Gauteng, whereas overnight expenditure occurred in KwaZulu-Natal.

Gauteng and Limpopo were the most popular destinations for day travelers. Tourists (overnight travelers) were most likely to visit Limpopo, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Most overnight trips were undertaken by tourists to visit friends and relatives using taxis (above 60%). Most of them used unpaid accommodation and stayed with friends and relatives. Of all the overnight trips undertaken, more than 80% lasted an average of one week at their destination. Day trips were largely undertaken for shopping purposes, followed by visiting friends and relatives. Tourists undertook overnight trips mostly for leisure purposes and visiting friends and relatives.

Ends

Issued by Statistics South Africa

For technical enquiries, contact:

Dr Kefiloe Masiteng

Deputy Director-General: Population and Social Statistics

Tel: 012 310 2109

Email: KefiloeM@statssa.gov.za

Dr Isabelle Schmidt

Chief Director: Social Statistics

Tel: 012 337 6379

Mobile: 082 884 4281

Email: IsabelSc@statssa.gov.za

For media enquires

Lesedi Dibakwane

Director: Mediaand Public Relations

Tel: 012 310 8578

Cell: 082 805 7088

Email: LesediD@statssa.gov.za