# Regional tourism growth in 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/regional-tourism-growth-in-2026
> Updated: 2026-08-27T06:53:02.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Various nations in Africa and Southeast Asia reported significant increases in international tourism arrivals during 2026.

In Brunei, visitor arrivals rose by 7.8 per cent in the first half of the year, reaching nearly 400,000. This growth was supported by a nearly 70 per cent increase in sea arrivals. While the average length of hotel stays decreased, tourism receipts rose to approximately BND158 million.

Eswatini saw its monthly arrivals exceed 100,000 for the first time in July 2026, marking a 13.4 per cent increase over the previous year. The Middle East saw the highest percentage growth, though Africa remained the primary source of visitors.

South Africa reported a 12.5 per cent increase in international overnight tourists in July 2026, with total arrivals for the first seven months of the year reaching over 6.5 million. While African arrivals grew by 14.3 per cent, arrivals from India and China saw notable declines, which experts attributed to bureaucratic hurdles and visa application processes.

## Claims

- South Africa welcomed 991,696 international tourists in July 2026. (single source)
- International tourist arrivals in South Africa for July 2026 increased by 12.5% compared to July 2025. (single source)
- Total international tourist arrivals in South Africa between January and July 2026 reached 6,576,169. (single source)
- Arrivals from Africa to South Africa increased by 14.3% year-on-year during the January-July 2026 period. (single source)
- In 2024, tourism in South Africa sustained 954,000 direct jobs and contributed 4.9% to the GDP. (single source)
- International tourist arrivals to Africa increased by 8% in 2025. (single source)
- Egypt, Morocco, and Seychelles recorded tourism growth of 20%, 14%, and 13% respectively. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: South Africa tourism arrivals rise 12.5% in July 2026

South Africa saw a 12.5% rise in international overnight tourists in July 2026, though arrivals from India and China declined due to visa and bureaucratic challenges.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-africa-tourism-growth-offset-by-decline-in-asian-and-indian-arrivals

### 2026-08-23: Tourism arrivals rise in Brunei and Eswatini

Brunei and Eswatini report rising tourism trends, with Brunei seeing a 7.8% increase in arrivals through June 2026 and Eswatini surpassing 100,000 monthly visitors in July 2026.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tourism-arrivals-rise-in-brunei-and-eswatini

---
Cite as: Regional tourism growth in 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/regional-tourism-growth-in-2026