Photo by Magda Ehlers via Pexels
By Newz.Africa News Desk | Cape Town, South Africa | Published: 28 January 2026 | US tourists South Africa white genocide
South Africa’s Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says the growing number of American tourists visiting the country is clear. These numbers show that claims of a so-called white genocide were promoted by US President Donald Trump. Nevertheless, they have been incapable of influencing ordinary US citizens.
De Lille said the increase in arrivals from the United States shows a trend. American travellers make decisions based on lived experience. They are also using data and global travel trends. These choices are made rather than relying on political rhetoric.
Her comments come amid renewed international attention on South Africa. Trump has repeatedly made allegations that white farmers are being targeted for extermination. These claims are widely disputed.
US tourist numbers climb despite political noise
According to official tourism data, the United States has emerged as one of South Africa’s strongest overseas source markets. Arrivals are projected to recover to above pre‑pandemic levels in 2025. Statistics South Africa data shows that US arrivals exceeded 2019 levels. This makes the US one of only two long-haul markets to fully recover. The other market is Australia.
De Lille said this growth sends a clear message. “Americans are coming. They are travelling. And they are seeing South Africa for themselves,” she said during recent public engagements. Tourism authorities say this reflects confidence in South Africa as a destination, despite diplomatic tensions between Pretoria and Washington.
Trump’s claims rejected by experts and courts
Trump has repeatedly claimed that white South Africans, particularly farmers, are victims of a genocide. These claims have been rejected by South Africa’s government, independent researchers and international fact‑checking organisations.
PolitiFact, PBS News and FactCheck.org have all found no evidence supporting claims of a racially targeted genocide. They note that while violent crime is high in South Africa, it affects all communities and is not race‑driven.
A South African court also ruled in 2025. It found that claims of a white genocide were “clearly imagined” and not supported by evidence.
Despite this, Trump has continued to repeat the allegation in international forums. He included it at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this month.
Tourism growth contradicts genocide narrative
Tourism analysts say the steady rise in US visitors directly contradicts a common belief. Many think Americans view South Africa as unsafe or unstable due to racial violence.
In the first four months of 2025, more than 111,000 US visitors arrived in South Africa. They overtook the UK as the country’s largest overseas tourism market during that period.
Industry leaders say tourists are responding to expanded air routes, visa reforms and destination marketing rather than political headlines.
De Lille has repeatedly called on international leaders and media to distinguish between crime challenges and unfounded racial narratives.
“The overwhelming majority of visitors experience South Africa as welcoming and safe,” she said.
Tourism remains key economic driver
South Africa recorded more than 10.4 million international visitors in 2025, the highest figure on record, according to the Department of Tourism. Tourism contributed significantly to job creation and economic recovery. The government projects tens of thousands of new jobs linked to visa reforms. Improved travel access is also expected to boost employment.
Officials say sustained growth from markets like the US is critical to long‑term stability in the sector.
Original Reporting
What was confirmed:
US tourist arrivals to South Africa recovered to above pre‑pandemic levels in 2025. Patricia de Lille linked this growth to the failure of political misinformation to deter travellers.
Primary Artefact:
Public statements by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille. Official tourism data from Statistics South Africa and industry bodies.
Sources
- Statistics South Africa, International Tourism Data
- IOL, “Patricia de Lille claps back: SA’s not that scary, America!”
Also Read:
About the Author
