Domestic tourism declined from 54.4-million day trips in 2013 to 44-million in 2015, Statistics South Africa’s Domestic Tourism 2015 report, published on Thursday, reveals.

However, while there was a downward trend in the number of day trips, the total expenditure on day trips increased from R35-billion in 2013 to R39-billion in 2014.

Overnight trips also decreased from 50.8-million in 2013 to 45.4-million in 2015, with the highest number of trips generated in December and January when compared to the other months within the reference period.

Overnight expenditure also increased from R68.5-billion in 2013 to R71-billion in 2014, driven by increased spending in the highest living standard measure (LSM) subgroup - LSM 8-10. Individuals in the LSM 1-4 subgroup were less likely to travel, with a further decline in total expenditure on domestic tourism in 2015, the report stated.

The biggest spending during day trips was on shopping, transport and food and beverages. Overnight expenditure was primarily on transport, shopping, accommodation, food and beverages. The most money spent during day trips was spent in Gauteng, whereas highest overnight expenditure occurred in KwaZulu-Natal.

Gauteng and Limpopo were the most popular destinations for day travellers, while overnight travellers were most likely to visit Limpopo, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Most overnight trips were undertaken by tourists to visit friends and relatives using taxis – above 60%. Most of them used unpaid accommodation and stayed with friends and relatives. Of all the overnight trips undertaken, more than 80% spent an average of one week at their destination.

Day trips were largely undertaken for shopping purposes, followed by visiting friends and relatives. Tourists undertook overnight trips mostly for leisure purposes and visiting friends and relatives.