The total number of foreign travellers who visited South Africa from Africa, overseas and unspecified countries, arriving through all ports of entry during 2009 was 10 098 306. The 2009 figure represents an increase of 3,8% as compared with the 2008 figure of 9 728 860.

It is noted that between 2000 and 2009, foreign arrivals grew annually by 5,3% from 6 000 538 to 10 098 306 compared to an annual growth rate of 19,3% between 1990 and 1999.

A breakdown of the number of tourists indicates that a high proportion (70,4%) of the 7 011 865 tourists were residents of SADC countries. The report does not break down the growth of non-African or SADC based arrivals as copared to 2008 or other periods.

During 2009, 4 487 311 arrivals were recorded for South African residents while the total number of those departing was 4 423 987.

In 2009, a total of 9 531 615 visitors came to South Africa, of which 2 519 750 are same day visitors and 7 011 865 are tourists (overnight visitors.)