Minister de Lille Echoes President Ramaphosa on Tourism as Economic Driver
In a powerful affirmation of tourism’s role in South Africa‘s economic future, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa‘s recent remarks in the 2026 State of the Nation Address. The President identified tourism as a vital engine for economic growth and job creation, a sentiment the Minister wholeheartedly endorsed in a media statement issued earlier today, 15 February 2026.
“Tourism continues to play a central role in strengthening South Africa’s economy and supporting livelihoods across the country,” said Minister de Lille. The sector’s impact is tangible, with 10.5 million visitors recorded in 2025, delivering real and measurable benefits for communities, sustaining jobs, and creating opportunities for small businesses and tourism enterprises in every province.
The Minister emphasized that this momentum aligns with the Government of National Unity’s Growth and Inclusion Strategy (GAINS), where tourism is one of five key sectors. This strategy focuses on three core priorities: Inclusive Economic Growth and Job Creation, Poverty Alleviation and Cost of Living, and Building a Capable and Ethical State.
Showcasing South Africa’s Hidden Gems
Minister de Lille highlighted the importance of diversifying tourism offerings to ensure benefits reach all communities. “As we diversify our Tourism offerings, the hidden gems in townships, rural areas as well as the small dorpies are vital to that strategy,” she stated. From local festivals and crafts to heritage sites and natural landscapes, tourism remains a powerful platform to showcase South Africa’s richness while ensuring prosperity spreads across urban and rural areas.
A Digital Leap Forward
A significant step forward is the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to all visa-required countries. The Department of Home Affairs’ commitment to process applications digitally within 24 hours is expected to enhance access, improve the visitor experience, and boost South Africa’s competitiveness as a global destination.
“This is a significant step forward… The ETA on its full roll out will create between 80,000 to 100,000 jobs,” said Minister de Lille, underscoring the sector’s potential to drive employment.
A Commitment to Shared Prosperity
The Department of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities and the private sector to implement the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan. This collaborative effort aims to drive demand, unlock further investment, and ensure that tourism continues to create shared prosperity for all South Africans in the year ahead.
With strong political backing, strategic initiatives like the ETA system, and a focus on inclusive growth, South Africa’s tourism sector is poised for a transformative year. Minister de Lille’s message is clear: tourism is not just an industry—it is a national asset and a key pillar in the country’s journey toward inclusive economic growth.
