South Africa has just wrapped up a record-breaking tourism season, and new data from Yoco’s Seasonal Spend Report reveals that international visitors weren’t just arriving in greater numbers, they were spending significantly more too.
During the 2025 festive period, international card spend rose 23% year on year. While locals accounted for the majority of transactions, foreign visitors spent far more per purchase. On average, international tourists spent R627 per transaction – more than double the local average.
So, Which Tourists Spend The Most In SA?
Visitors from the United States were by far the highest spenders in South African stores, outspending tourists from the UK and Germany by a wide margin. Americans also proved to be the most generous tippers, contributing nearly half of all recorded tips during the season.
The Bigger Economic Insight For SA Businesses
The data highlights an important shift: in tourism, value may matter more than volume. If certain travellers spend significantly more per visit, attracting even a modest increase in high-spend tourists could have an outsized impact on local businesses and the broader economy.
For restaurants, boutiques, markets and hospitality venues across South Africa, higher basket sizes mean stronger cash flow and better tips for staff. In a country grappling with high unemployment, that direct income boost matters.
The Real Opportunity in the Numbers
There’s also a strategic takeaway for businesses and policymakers. Targeted digital advertising in the US market, premium experience bundles and messaging that highlights the favourable dollar-to-rand exchange rate could help maximise revenue per visitor.
At a national level, prioritising key long-haul markets and strengthening direct flight routes could further increase tourism yield.
Tourism doesn’t just fill hotels, it fuels supply chains, boosts VAT revenue and injects foreign currency into the economy.
This news was first featured in our Feb ‘26 newsletter edition on virtual cards for business expenses.
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