UMZUKULU KAMHLANGANYELWA
Accommodation industry grows again, with hotels leading the charge.
South Africa’s tourism industry is showing fresh signs of life, with hotels and guest accommodation bringing in more money as travelers continue to fill rooms across the country.
The latest figures from Statistics South Africa reveal that the tourist accommodation industry increased its total income by 2.5% in May 2026 compared with the same month last year.
The biggest boost came from accommodation income, which climbed 2.2% year on year. The increase was driven by a 0.5% rise in stay-unit nights sold and a 1.7% increase in the average income earned per room night.
Hotels were the star performers, recording 2.8% growth and making the largest contribution to the overall increase. Other accommodation establishments, including guest houses, lodges, B&Bs and self-catering venues, also posted a strong 3.7% increase.
The numbers become even more impressive over a longer period. For the three months ending May 2026, accommodation income surged 7.5% compared with the same period in 2025.
Guest houses, lodges and other accommodation options led the way with a massive 11.6% increase, while hotels followed with a healthy 5.3% rise.
Industry observers say the figures suggest that both local and international travelers are continuing to spend money on accommodation despite ongoing economic pressures.
There was more good news for the sector after a difficult April. Seasonally adjusted accommodation income increased by 0.7% in May, recovering from a 1.3% decline in April 2026.
The latest data points to a tourism sector that is steadily regaining momentum, with hotels, lodges and guest houses all benefiting from rising demand and stronger room rates.
For an industry that was hammered during the pandemic years, the message is clear: South Africa’s tourism beds are filling up again, and the cash registers are ringing louder than before.
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