Mauritius remains immovable from its position as the number-one spot for South Africans’ end-of-year summer holidays.
We asked our readers in a recent poll where their clients wanted to go for the South African summer holidays, and it’s clear – Mauritius remains the firm favourite.
Cape Town experienced the most growth, jumping from sixth place in 2023 with 6% of votes to second place this year with 17%. Thailand, which was in second place last year with 17% of votes, dropped to third spot in 2024 with only 11% of votes.
Europe and the UK experienced the biggest percentage decline, dropping from third position in 2023 to joint fourth in 2024 (alongside Southern Africa and Zanzibar).
Chantal Gouws, GM of FCI South Africa, asked by Travel News what it was that created the Mauritius magic, said it was the combination of easy travel and tropical charm that continued to attract South African holidaymakers.
“The island’s visa-free access for South African passport holders makes travel more feasible and cost-effective. The four-hour flight from Johannesburg is convenient for families with young children. Mauritius has a mild climate suitable for year-round travel, especially during South Africa’s cooler months.
“Many resorts offer all-inclusive packages, appealing to travellers looking for value. The island provides a range of family activities, from water sports to cultural tours, and is known for its safety and hospitality,” said Gouws.
Silvana Polo, Operations Manager of Beachcomber Tours, confirmed that Mauritius was definitely South Africans’ most popular playground.
“Our client tally for December 2024 compared with December 23 indicates that we are only 4% behind on December 2023 numbers, which shows the demand for the destination.”
Cape Town
Cape Town had many attractions, said Gouws, giving the example of Table Mountain and the gorgeous beaches.
But it has variety and diversity too. “Cape Town’s range of accommodation options and diverse culinary offerings suit various preferences and budgets.”
Gouws added that the city’s popularity for family holidays was related to a large range of experiences suitable for different ages and interests, including hiking, surfing and exploring areas like the V&A Waterfront. The city also has a rich cultural offering through its museums, galleries and historic sites.
Joanne Adolphe, CEO of Thompsons Holidays, said current bookings for this year’s summer holiday period showed that most clients had booked to travel within South Africa, followed by Mauritius, Thailand, Victoria Falls and Zanzibar.
She said this year’s demand for Europe and the US was static, although there was increased interest for 2025. “It really depends on airline fares and the total cost of the package.”