Tourism sector sees decline in Hungary and growth in South Africa

In June 2026 Hungary recorded a 2.2% drop in tourist arrivals and a 2.5% fall in tourism nights compared with the same month a year earlier. Domestic arrivals rose 2.3% while international arrivals slipped 0.2%. Hotels accounted for two‑thirds of stays and saw a 2.2% increase in arrivals.

South Africa’s tourism ministry reported that between January and June 2026 the country welcomed 5.58 million international visitors, a 12.3% year‑on‑year increase. June alone saw 823,365 arrivals, up 9.8% from June 2025, driven by a 14.3% rise from African markets and a 5.6% rise from overseas markets. The United States remained the top overseas source with 40,566 visitors. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille credited diversified product offerings and stronger industry partnerships for the sustained growth.

Both reports highlight divergent trends in the tourism sectors of the two nations during the first half of 2026.