Tourism remains a key contributor to South Africa’s economy, accounting for around 3.2% of national GDP.
South Africa recorded 3.8 million international visitors in 2020, rising to 8.9 million by 2024, the most of any African destination.
That’s hardly surprising. South Africa’s beauty keeps people coming back, and some fall in love so deeply they decide to stay.
The majority of tourists visiting prefer to drive themselves, valuing control and flexibility. This preference has fueled growth in the car rental sector, though questions remain about the quality of customer experience.
A side-by-side comparison with hotels and lodges shows that accommodation has invested heavily in guest experience, while car rentals lag behind.
And at Tarlen, we sees the next wave of innovation in car rentals coming from sustainable mobility: EVs and peer-to-peer car-sharing.
Putting South Africa's idle cars to good use
Every year, around 85,000 cars are repossessed in South Africa. Many more sit unused in parking lots.
We see a future where those cars earn for their owners instead of gathering dust. By enabling carsharing, we can reduce repossessions and keep more vehicles on the road.
At the same time, travelers gain better access and a more personal experience by renting directly from car owners.
Cars have driven progress since Karl Benz built the first gasoline-powered car. We believe they should continue to; but in smarter, more sustainable ways.
Are you ready to earn with your car today?
