Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

Tourism

latest news & developments

South Africans are guarding their December travel spend

Despite shrinking disposable income and real wages down year-on-year, South Africans are actively protecting their December travel plans by adapting budgets rather than…

Kruger reopens key flood-damaged infrastructure as rebuild continues

Key roads, bridges, and tourism facilities in the Kruger National Park have reopened following extensive flood damage, as Minister David Maynier urges future infrastructure to be…

Palestinian ambassador Hanan Jarrar and Tshwane mayor Dr Nasiphi Moyo

Where women lead, doors open

The inaugural Diplomatic Women's Forum in Pretoria brought together female ambassadors, business leaders, and policymakers to celebrate leadership, explore conservation…

South Africa’s tourism industry is going digital. Can its businesses keep up?

South Africa is placing digital technology at the heart of its tourism growth strategy, as highlighted by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille at the launch of Tourism Month 2026…

NWU brings academic expertise together for local development in the Vaal River corridor

North-West University's bhive Enterprise Development Centre is partnering with Pont de Val and regional stakeholders to foster inclusive tourism, practical skills training, and…

GREAT MOMENT: SANParks head of communications JP Louw (from the left), zipline operators Mika Lutchmanand Albert Wiffen; managing executive (EM) for tourism development and marketing, Kaula Mphaphuli and ME for parks Property Mokoena, cutting the ribbon marking the official opening of the Golden Gate Zipline at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Picture: Brian Sokutu

SANParks newly-launched Golden Gate Zipline set to woo tourists in the Free State

The SA National Parks (SANParks) has officially launched the Golden Gate Zipline near Clarens, Free State, aiming to boost the region's tourism economy. This new adventure…

Siphuxolo Mazwi

Few places carry the weight of history quite like Robben Island. For Siphuxolo Mazwi, preserving that legacy is about more than protecting the past — it is about ensuring each…

Video

Rwanda’s bold bet on Aston Villa - global branding for tourism and economic growth

Rwanda has done it again, only bigger. The landlocked African country has secured a multi-year partnership with Aston Villa Football Club, becoming the club’s Principal Partner,…

Celebrity Drive South Africa Celebrates South African Excellence at Sun City

In an extraordinary celebration of luxury, culture, tourism and purpose, Celebrity Drive South Africa transformed the iconic Sun City Resort into a stage for the very best this…

South Africa pins tourism hopes on new Air Europa route to Spain

South Africa anticipates a significant boost to its tourism and trade sectors with the launch of Air Europa's new direct flight service between Johannesburg and Madrid. This…

Take me back to now: How travel reminds us that the good life happens in real life

Explore how travel offers a unique sense of presence and clarity that we often long for, especially in our always-on society. This piece delves into the concept of 'nowstalgia'…

Championing tourism: President Cyril Ramaphosa and Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille. Photo: GCIS

Africa’s Travel Indaba boosts Durban economy and drives African tourism growth

Africa’s Travel Indaba is expected to generate millions for Durban’s economy while showcasing African tourism growth, conservation and regional travel opportunities

Travel: Visitor numbers are rising again and airports like OR Tambo are getting busier. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

Tourism must be SA’s defining story

Although global instability may temporarily redirect travel flows, the real opportunity lies not in benefiting from conflict elsewhere but in ensuring that South Africa becomes a…

Investment: InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town has undergone a R1 billion refurbishment. Photo: IHG

Tourism sector is evolving upwards

Travel is becoming planned, curated and experience-led again. The development pipeline reflects that

Rethink: If South Africa is going to be leaders in African tourism, offering an experience like no other, then the
industry will need to align with incoming international standards. Photo: Supplied

Design, building sector ripe for a pivot

It’s one thing to be a desirable city for tourists and charge premium hotel room prices, but the execution of the experience must match