South Africa unveils new tourism push with direct Madrid route, smart hubs, and R2.54 Billion Budget Cape Town — South Africa’s tourism minister, Patricia de Lille on Wednesday hailed growing international confidence in the country’s travel market and outlined government plans to spread tourism benefits nationwide, during her Budget Vote 38 speech to the National…
In a landmark Budget Vote speech delivered today (26 Tuesday May 2026), Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille unequivocally stated that tourism has evolved from a leisure industry into a critical pillar of South Africa’s economic stability, citing the sector’s contribution of 4.9% to the national GDP in 2024. Speaking in the Good Hope Chamber on…
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal — In a move set to redefine regional tourism collaboration, South Africa and Mauritius formalized their partnership on Wednesday, May 13, with the signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) 2026. Hosted at the Durban ICC, the ceremony was officiated by South African Minister of Tourism…
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal — South Africa’s tourism landscape is undergoing a digital revolution, one designed to dismantle barriers and welcome the world with open, efficient arms. Speaking at the Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) 2026 on Wednesday, May 13, Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille declared the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as a “fundamental…
KwaZulu-Natal, Durban — In a decisive address at the opening ceremony of Africa’s Travel Indaba on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille declared that the continent has moved beyond recovery and is now firmly in a growth phase. Speaking at the Durban International Convention Centre, the Minister outlined a bold strategy titled “UNLIMITED AFRICA:…
Durban, South Africa – South Africa’s tourism sector is experiencing robust and sustained growth, with international visitor numbers climbing for two consecutive months. In March 2026 alone, the country welcomed 911,962 international visitors, marking a 12.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This latest surge builds on a record-breaking year, following 10.5 million arrivals in 2025. The first quarter…
Cape Agulhas — At the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans embrace, South Africa today unveiled a transformed Agulhas National Park Lighthouse Precinct — a R81.7 million investment in tourism, heritage, and inclusive conservation that promises to redefine visitor experiences while uplifting local communities. A Landmark Handover at the Edge of the Continent Minister…
South Africa’s tourism industry has reached a major milestone, directly employing 953,981 people in 2024 — equivalent to 5.7% of the national labor force, or 1 in 18 workers. According to Statistics South Africa’s Tourism Satellite Account, the sector also contributed 4.9% to GDP, outpacing agriculture, utilities, and construction, and surpassing its pre-pandemic 3.7% share in 2019. Total tourism expenditure…
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…
Celebrating 20 Years of Connecting Africa to the World Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg: South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, took to the stage at the Sandton Convention Centre this morning to officially open the 20th edition of Meetings Africa — Africa’s premier business events trade show. With buyers from 53 countries, 375 hosted delegates, 325 exhibiting…
