South Africa‘s tourism accommodation sector has continued to grow in May but at a slower pace.
New figures from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) show total income for the tourist accommodation industry rose by 2.5% compared with May in 2025.
Income generated purely from accommodation increased by 2.2%, helped by a slight rise in the number of room nights sold and higher average room rates.
Hotels remained the biggest driver of growth, with accommodation income increasing by 2.8% year-on-year. Other accommodation, including lodges, bed-and-breakfasts and self-catering establishments, also posted solid growth of 3.7%.
However, caravan parks and camping sites continued to struggle, with income plunging 35.1%. Guest houses and guest farms were largely flat, dipping 0.4%.
Looking at the broader trend, accommodation income for the three months, ending May, was 7.5% higher than the same period in 2025, signalling that the tourism sector remains on a recovery path despite softer monthly growth.
The data points to a tourism industry that is still expanding, even as growth moderates, underscoring the sector’s continued role in supporting jobs and the wider economy.
Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen.
Get the whole picture đź’ˇ
Take a look at the topic timeline for all related articles.
Trending News
- 28 minutes ago
- 5 hours ago
- 15 hours ago
- 16 hours ago
- 16 hours ago
- 16 hours ago
- 19 hours ago
- 19 hours ago
- Yesterday
- Yesterday
- Yesterday
- Yesterday
More in Business
SA’s leading economic indicator weakens again: SARB
- South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
- Economic Growth
- South African economy
Crude jumps on fresh Mideast flare-up
- AFP
AGSA external audit head linked to controversial PIC Lanseria deal
- Public Investment Corporation (PIC)
- Lanseria Airport
