![[South Africa] Domestic tourism declines on suppressed economic growth](south africa tourism.jpg)
[South Africa] Domestic tourism declines on suppressed economic growth
The Domestic tourism survey 2016 report released by Statistics South Africa shows a pattern of decline in domestic tourism over the past two years, with the total number of day trips decreasing from 44,3 million in 2015 to 39,4 million in 2016.
Overnight trips decreased from 45,4 million in 2015 to 43,0 million in 2016. The report further indicates that the highest numbers of trips were generated in December when compared to other months within the reference period.
An actual total expenditure on domestic overnight trips increased from R62 billion in 2015 to R63 billion in 2016. A different pattern was seen in day trips with a decrease in expenditure from R25 billion in 2015 to R23 billion in 2016.
This increase in expenditure between 2015 and 2016 on overnight trips was largely driven by increased spending in the higher living standard measure subgroup (LSM 8–10), as individuals and households from the lower living standard measure groupings were significantly less likely to travel in 2016 than in 2015.
The biggest spending during day and overnight trips was on domestic transport, shopping, food and beverages. Most of the money spent during the most recent day trips was spent in Gauteng, whereas most overnight expenditure occurred in KwaZulu-Natal.
Gauteng, Limpopo and Western Cape were the most popular destinations for day travelers. Tourists (overnight travelers) mostly preferred visiting Limpopo, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.
Most tourists undertook overnight trips mainly to visit friends and relatives and preferred using taxi (above 50%). Most tourists 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, followed by visiting friends and relatives. Tourists undertook overnight trips mostly for leisure, attending funerals and visiting friends and relatives.
