The latest Domestic Tourism Survey released by Statistics South Africa has revealed that local travel patterns changed between 2024 and 2025, with fewer day trips and overnight journeys recorded.
The country recorded approximately 29.1 million day trips in 2025, down from 33.5 million in 2024.
Overnight trips also declined from 26.2 million to 24.5 million.
Despite the reduction in travel volumes, domestic tourism expenditure increased from R60.6 billion in 2024 to R63.2 billion in 2025.
That means South Africans spent approximately R2.6 billion more on domestic travel.
But where are people going?
Limpopo emerged as the country’s leading destination for overnight domestic travel, accounting for 16.8% of the most recent overnight trips reported by travellers.
KwaZulu-Natal followed with 16.1%, while the Western Cape accounted for 14.1%.
Gauteng remained the leading destination for day trips, followed by Limpopo and the Western Cape.
The survey also reveals that visiting friends and relatives remains a major reason South Africans travel overnight.
Leisure travel accounted for 24.2% of the most recent overnight trips in 2025, showing that holidays and recreational travel remain important.
However, affordability continues to stand in the way of many potential travellers.
Financial constraints were identified as the leading reason people did not undertake domestic trips.
The figures present an important challenge for South Africa’s tourism industry, particularly accommodation providers, restaurants, resorts and tour operators targeting local families.
With the festive season approaching, tourism businesses will be watching closely to see whether more South Africans can afford to take a holiday.
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