Domestic tourism is still the pulse of South Africa’s visitor economy, driving local employment and sustaining the sector through uncertainty. Head of Domestic Tourism Mashoto Mokgethi says South Africans themselves remain the industry’s greatest strength. “Domestic tourism is the backbone of our economy,” she says. “It keeps the sector alive throughout the year and ensures […]
Business events are no longer just meetings or conferences – they are a powerful engine for South Africa’s visitor economy. In 2023, the sector was valued at an estimated R122bn, up from R72bn in 2022, underlining its growing significance in job creation, regional development, and economic diversification. As chief conventions bureau officer at South African […]
For Thandiwe Mathibela, General Manager for Global PR, Communications and Stakeholder Relations and Acting Chief Marketing Officer at South African Tourism, the global brand campaign “South Africa Awaits – Come Find Your Joy” has been more than a marketing exercise. It is an invitation to see the country through new eyes. “The campaign began with […]
For Bronwen Auret, Chief Quality Assurance Officer at the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, 2025 was a year defined by confidence and renewal. “Visitor experience is at the heart of South Africa’s tourism story,” she says. “When travellers feel safe, inspired and valued, they become our best ambassadors.” This year marked 25 years of […]
The countdown to Meetings Africa 2025 has begun! With less than a month to go, excitement is building. Today, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange was busy with the Meetings Africa 2025 media launch event
South African Tourism (SA Tourism) is delighted to announce the appointment of Darryl Erasmus as the organisation’s new Chief Operations Officer with effect 07 January 2025
Six board members quit in September after the minister announced a shake-up
Tourists flock to the many wildlife reserves, while the attractive investment climate draws global business and investors
The primary objective of the Celebrity Drive campaign is to remind tourists of the country’s status as a top travel destination
South Africa no longer purely marketed as a leisure destination, but as a country of choice for conferences and exhibitions
As they start recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, FlySafair and SAA have launched new routes and are leasing additional aircraft
Minister Patricia de Lille said the country welcomed 4.8 million international and 18.8 million domestic tourists in the first six months of 2023
The minister was speaking at Africa’s Travel Indaba, days after the acting chief executive of the country’s official national marketing agency resigned
‘On Freedom Day we commemorate our journey to freedom and democracy’
The new minister, Patricia de Lille, believes the appointment process was flawed
Miracles R Us flops – like Spurs’ title challenge
The tourism minister has missed four meetings in recent weeks, prompting the committee to take the legal route
Lebo Malepa built his backpacking operation from the ground up, but shared his success with his neighbours
An investment in skills will help to nurture and retain the key skills needed for recovery and growth.
The tourism transport sector was hammered during Covid-19 levels four and five and is asking the government for financial assistance
The tourism sector adds unique value to the economy and overall development of the country and this should be further built upon
The organisation and the opportunity
Sho’t Left Travel Week offers locals discounts of up to 50%
Four acclaimed local artists have painted a 22m wall mural inside the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre
The TGCSA ensures that South African establishments’ standards are what they promise to be
The next great growth story
South Africa needs to diversify its main sources of income
South Africa must demonstrate its ability to host global business events
Tourism is becoming an increasingly important mainstay of the South African economy
‘We benefit in terms of exposure and establishing contacts’
‘It is one of the major announcements of the year’
Tourism is driving job creation in Africa