South Africa’s Tourism Minister De Lille Courts Singapore
Singapore, 2 February 2026 – When South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, took the stage at the Singapore Tourism Board, her message was more than policy. It was a warm invitation, a cultural handshake, and a promise of adventure.
A Journey That Starts in Singapore
“This year marks 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our country and Singapore,” De Lille reminded her audience. Her visit follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong last October, underscoring the growing ties between the two nations.
Singaporeans are already discovering South Africa, with arrivals up 4.7% in 2025. “Thank you for contributing to South Africa’s record-breaking 10.48 million international arrivals,” she said, making clear that Singapore is a market South Africa wants to nurture.
Tourism as Economic Policy
De Lille’s refrain was striking: “Tourism Policy is Economic Policy and South Africa’s tourism sector is open for business.” This wasn’t just about safari sunsets and wine estates—it was about investment. She spotlighted the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre, which has drawn 80,000 visitors since opening, and teased the arrival of Club Med’s luxury resort in KwaZulu-Natal later this year.
Making Travel Easier
Ease of access is central to South Africa’s pitch. De Lille called the new Electronic Visa Authorisation system a “game changer”: “Applicants can apply for a visa on their phones or computers without visiting an office. The application is processed within 24 hours. There is no human adjudication.”
While Singaporeans already enjoy visa-free travel, the system will benefit regional neighbors like Indonesia and India. And with Singapore Airlines currently operating 12 flights per week to South Africa, De Lille made it clear: she wants more. “Singapore, as a central connectivity hub in South-East Asia, is key for us to increase travellers to South Africa.”
Safety and Confidence
Acknowledging visitor concerns, De Lille emphasized new measures: the SECURA app with panic-button emergency access, and the deployment of 2,300 Tourism Monitors across attractions. “While safety is not our mandate, we regret all attacks on our visitors, and it is for this reason that we introduced an after-care programme for victims,” she said.
Events, Sport, and Business Tourism
South Africa’s global stage is expanding. After hosting the G20 Summit, the country will welcome the Special Davos World Economic Forum meeting in 2027. “Our world-class MICE infrastructure is being lauded globally, and that is what we’ll continue to promote,” De Lille noted.
Sport tourism is also booming, with LIV Golf arriving next month and the Cricket World Cup set for 2027.
Culture as Connection
Perhaps the most personal moment came when De Lille congratulated South African star Tyla on her second Grammy win. But she didn’t stop there—she reminded the audience that Tyla had performed in Singapore just two months ago. “Thank you for the love you have shown her and the love you continue to extend to South Africa,” she said.
By linking Tyla’s success to Singapore’s recent experience, De Lille made South Africa’s cultural exports feel immediate and familiar. It was a clever way of saying: you already know us, you already celebrate us—now come visit us.
Review: A Lifestyle Pitch with Policy Backbone
De Lille’s address blended hard policy with soft power. She spoke of visas, flights, and investment, but also of music, joy, and shared experiences. Her closing line captured the spirit of the pitch: “South Africa awaits. Come find your joy.”
For Singaporeans, the message was clear: South Africa is more than a destination. It’s a place where adventure meets culture, where investment meets opportunity, and where the joy of discovery is waiting.
