Visa has announced the expansion of its global travel programme with the launch of Visa Destinations South Africa. Through the Visa Destinations global travel platform, cardholders can discover available offers and experiences, confirm access and redemption details through a consistent digital journey, making it easier to move from travel inspiration to in-destination experience.
As a trusted partner for travelers and merchants worldwide, Visa is strengthening its commitment to supporting evolving travel needs and helping cardholders explore South Africa through exceptional stays, dining, shopping and experiences. By bringing together leading local partners across travel, hospitality, retail, entertainment and mobility, the programme helps travellers move seamlessly from inspiration to experience, while also giving participating issuers a scalable way to enrich their travel value propositions, helping South African merchants reach Visa cardholders across priority travel corridors.
According to the latest figures from the Department of Tourism more than 7.5 million international tourists visited South Africa between January and August 2026, and over 1 million in August 2026, an increase of 7,4% over the same period a year earlier. Growth across African and overseas markets points to the country’s continued appeal as both a regional and global destination. Visa’s Global Travel Intentions Study 2026 indicates travellers are increasingly choosing destinations based on passion, purpose, and experiences, not just geography. In 2025 alone, 4 in 10 South African travelers made a trip to experience music, sports or art festivals.
“South Africa is a destination where every journey can open the door to something new—from its landscapes and wildlife to its food, culture and cities,” said Lineshree Moodley, Country Head, Visa South Africa. “The country’s tourism momentum reflects its enduring appeal among international visitors. Today’s travellers are increasingly seeking distinctive experiences that are relevant, rewarding and easy to access, and Visa Destinations South Africa responds to this shift by connecting Visa cardholders to carefully curated experiences—from the bushveld and coastline to the country’s food, culture and cities—while supporting the businesses that help power South Africa’s tourism economy.”
Through partnerships with leading merchants and experience providers, the programme supports the broader tourism ecosystem by showcasing distinctive South African businesses to local and international travellers.
“Tourism is powered by businesses of every size. By helping high-quality operators across hospitality, retail, travel and entertainment connect with a wider audience, the programme can support merchant growth while enhancing the cardholder experience,” Moodley added.
Visa continues to work with partners across the tourism ecosystem to provide seamless digital booking and secure payment options that meet the needs of today’s travellers.
Programme highlights
Visa Destinations South Africa brings the country to life through curated offers and experiences across five passion pillars: Entertainment, Culture, Dining, Travel and Wellness.
- Travel: Safari and wildlife experiences, coastal escapes, premium rail journeys, chauffeur services, and selected accommodation experiences.
- Culture: Soweto heritage experiences, local communities, South African history, art, and cultural immersion.
- Dining: Cape Winelands culinary journeys, local flavours, wine experiences, and curated dining concepts.
- Entertainment: Distinctive leisure and adventure experiences that allow travellers to experience South Africa in memorable ways.
- Wellness: Restorative escapes, nature-led experiences, premium retreats, and wellness-oriented activities”
“This is about more than offers. It is about helping travellers explore South Africa through distinctive, passion-led experiences, supported by seamless and secure payments, digital ease and while creating greater visibility for the merchants behind them,” Moodley concluded.
Cardholders can explore available offers and experiences at www.destinations.visa.com. Availability, terms and conditions vary by offer.