SA Tourism Department Seeks Public Input on STR Best Practices Ahead of Law Review
South Africa’s Minister of Tourism has opened public comment on a Draft Code of Good Practice for Short-Term Rentals. If you’re a host, traveller, or tourism stakeholder, this one’s for you.
South Africa is taking a significant step toward bringing structure to the booming short-term rental (STR) market. Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has officially invited the public to comment on a Draft Code of Good Practice for Short-Term Rentals, which has been gazetted for public comment as of 15 March 2026.
What Is This Code About?
Platforms like Airbnb and other home-sharing services have become a firmly established part of South Africa’s tourism ecosystem. The Draft Code seeks to guide conduct within this space — covering how STRs operate, interact with local communities, and contribute to the broader tourism economy.
As Minister de Lille put it:
“Short-Term Rentals, including home-sharing platforms, have become a growing and established feature of South Africa’s tourism landscape. By expanding accommodation options beyond traditional hotels, Short-Term Rentals support geographic spread, enable more travellers to access diverse destinations, and create additional income opportunities for households and small property owners.”
Why a Code and Not a Law?
It’s worth noting that the Tourism Act 3 of 2014 does not currently empower the Minister to regulate STRs directly — that authority largely sits with local municipalities, particularly around land use and zoning. The Code is therefore an interim, voluntary guidance framework while a broader review of the Tourism Act is underway, following Cabinet’s approval of the 2024 White Paper on the Development & Promotion of Tourism in South Africa.
Think of it as a bridge — practical guidance now, with more formal regulation potentially to follow.
Why Does This Matter for Travellers and the Industry?
For travellers exploring Africa’s diverse destinations, the growth of STRs has been a game-changer — unlocking access to neighbourhoods, rural escapes, and cultural experiences that traditional hotels simply can’t offer. A well-governed STR sector means safer stays, clearer standards, and more sustainable tourism for everyone.
For hosts and small property owners, this is an opportunity to have a say in the rules that will shape your business.
How to Participate
The Department of Tourism is encouraging all stakeholders — hosts, travellers, community organisations, industry bodies, and members of the public — to:
- Review the Draft Code of Good Practice (available in the Government Gazette)
- Submit written comments within the 60-day public comment period
- Stay engaged as the Code is refined and finalised based on submissions received
This is inclusive policymaking in action — and your voice genuinely counts.
The finalised Code will be published for implementation after all public submissions have been reviewed and incorporated. Watch this space for updates as South Africa continues to shape a tourism sector that works for residents, visitors, and the destinations they love.
