Latest news with #SATourism
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
From Thebe and Thuso, top spots in SA to add to your bucket list
SA Tourism has put together five destinations to help you find the gems that define two of the brightest stars in the country By From its vibrant cities to breathtaking landscapes, even our most recognised stars who trot around the globe hold South Africa's beauty to a different standard. Thebe Magugu and Thuso Mbedu have earned gongs and recognition on the biggest stages in the world for fashion design and acting respectively. Their hometowns have always remained their favourite places in SA to find inspiration. SA Tourism has put together five destinations to help you find the South Africa of Magugu and Mbedu that should definitely make your bucket list. Explore Magugu's South Africa: Step into history at The Big Hole, where the world's largest hand-dug excavation tells the story of the diamond discovery that put Kimberley on the map. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the industrial heritage that forms the backdrop of some of Magugu's childhood and designs. At the William Humphreys Art Gallery, also in Kimberley, you can find a collection of local art that echoes Magugu's dedication to preserving and celebrating local cultural heritage. The gallery's mix of traditional and contemporary works mirrors Magugu's approach to blending cultural themes with modern design. The Maboneng Precinct is a creative hub in Johannesburg mirroring the designer's innovative spirit, offering an eclectic mix of art galleries, trendy boutiques and rooftop bars, where the next generation of local creative talents takes shape. Trace Mbedu's path from Jozi to Hollywood: Explore these must-see spaces in Mbedu's hometown: Visit the Natal Museum and Tatham Art Gallery, institutions that showcase the diverse narratives of the region. The Gandhi Statue is a reminder of the profound historical moments that have unfolded in Pietermaritzburg, much like the powerful stories Mbedu brings to global screens. Between Mbedu's hometown of Pietermaritzburg and bustling Durban lies one of South Africa's most breathtaking treasures, the Valley of 1,000 Hills. Named for its endlessly folding hills that stretch as far as the eye can see, the region is formed by the meeting of the Umgeni and Msunduzi rivers. The Umgeni has carved a spectacular gorge that offers visitors far more than photo opportunities — it's where the untainted beauty of Africa comes alive.
Zawya
11-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Tourism budget proposes $134mln for 2025/26
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has delivered the Budget Vote for the 2025/26 financial year, unveiling a R2.43bn allocation focused on sustaining tourism growth, job creation, and sector transformation across South Africa. Speaking in Parliament, Minister de Lille highlighted the budget's alignment with the Government of National Unity's Programme of Action, aimed at driving inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty, and building a capable state. She emphasised the importance of tourism as a key economic driver, referencing its central role in the National Development Plan and the Tourism Sector Master Plan. Budget highlights • R1.3bn allocated to SA Tourism, the Department's main entity. • R331m dedicated to destination development, primarily funding the Working for Tourism Programme. • R331m earmarked for Tourism Sector Support Services, covering incentive schemes such as the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP), Market Access Programme, Tourism Grading programme, and Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF). Addressing oversight and improving governance Minister de Lille outlined the department's response to Portfolio Committee concerns, including: • Finalising the Tourism Amendment Bill to address short-term rentals, grading enforcement, and governance. • Reviewing outdated strategies on heritage and cultural tourism, domestic growth, rural tourism, service excellence, and climate change. • Strengthening fund management with clear deliverables, 60-day approval targets, and consequence management. • Implementing a Community Tourism Aftercare programme offering post-handover support to community lodges. • Enhancing digital transformation through a Digital Maturity Roadmap, real-time tourism dashboards, and mobile tools. • Applying a Sector Risk and Mitigation Plan focusing on climate change, health, safety, and governance. • Increasing transparency via quarterly public dashboards on EPWP placements, fund disbursements, and risk metrics. Tourism performance and economic impact The Minister reflected on the sector's strong performance in 2024/25: • International visitor arrivals reached a peak of 9.1 million. • Domestic overnight travel increased to 40 million trips from 37.7 million the previous year. • International tourists contributed R92.8bn in foreign direct spend. • Domestic tourism grew by 7.6% to R133.1bn. • 76% of the budget was directed to growth-and-jobs initiatives, with 40% procurement from SMMEs and 40% from women-owned businesses. • The Green Tourism Incentive Programme retrofitted 103 properties. • Support was given to 266 SMMEs at global trade shows via the Market Access Support Programme. • R144m was spent to train and deploy 2,305 Tourism Monitors. • Major policy achievements included completing the Tourism Master Plan, Tourism White Paper, and Tourism Route Development Marketing Plan. • The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, in collaboration with Home Affairs, welcomed the first Chinese and Indian travellers via digital visas. Tourism growth partnership plan The department introduced the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan with five pillars to drive sustainable sector growth by 2030: 1. Ease of access – visa reform, air and road connectivity 2. Coordinated destination marketing – covering international, continental, domestic, and MICE markets 3. Tourist safety and security – awareness and crisis management 4. Tourism product development – infrastructure and immersive experiences 5. Job creation – youth employment acceleration and skills development An upcoming Execution Lab will engage sector leaders to implement these goals. Marketing and product development initiatives The flagship 'South Africa Awaits – Come Find Your Joy!' campaign reached seven key markets, boosting website traffic by 35% and generating 1.2 million digital engagements. Domestic campaigns like 'Sho't Left/Travel Week' saw a 9% increase in provincial travel and supported 914 new jobs. The Department plans to spend R20m marketing National Domestic Tourism and has commissioned new tracking surveys to gain real-time visitor insights. Efforts continue to maintain Africa's position as a leading hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), aiming to increase exhibitor diversity by 15% for Meetings Africa and Travel Indaba 2026-2028. Tourism product development will receive R95m for the maintenance and enhancement of Department-owned sites, community tourism lodges, and branded routes in villages and townships. The department will host its first Tourism Investment Conference in Cape Town in September 2025. Minister de Lille reaffirmed the government's commitment to leveraging legislative, operational, and strategic interventions to strengthen tourism, remove barriers, and embed innovation. The sector is positioned as a catalyst for a resilient and inclusive South African economy.
IOL News
06-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
DA condemns alleged tender corruption at SA Tourism
The DA calls on Minister Patricia de Lille to ensure full transparency and accountability into the allegations of favouritism and fraud in the award of this tender, including the role of implicated officials. The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply alarmed by recent revelations regarding alleged irregularities in the awarding of a R100 million tender by SA Tourism to Pomme Express, a company reported to have failed to show proof of experience and alleged to have provided false and misleading information in its bid. The DA calls on Minister Patricia de Lille to ensure full transparency and accountability in this matter. We demand an immediate and fully independent forensic investigation into the allegations of favouritism and fraud in the award of this tender, including the role of implicated officials. The results of this investigation must be made public, and those found guilty of misconduct must face the full might of the law. The tender, which was for organising Meetings Africa 2025 and Africa's Travel Indaba 2025, key events for promoting business and leisure tourism, is now under public scrutiny following allegations of favouritism, regulatory violations, and apparent interference in the procurement process.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South African Tourism celebrates economic Impact of Africa's Travel Indaba 2025
SA Tourism said that the projected economic benefits spurred by Africa's Travel Indaba 2025, from event infrastructure and logistics to accommodation, restaurants, and local transport services, have been significant. Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers South African Tourism hails Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 held in Durban last week as a huge economic boost. SA Tourism said that the projected economic benefits spurred by Africa's Travel Indaba 2025, from event infrastructure and logistics to accommodation, restaurants, and local transport services, have been significant. 'The direct economic impact of Africa's Travel Indaba on Durban's GDP is estimated at R574-million, with direct spending totalling more than R232-million, highlighting the substantial economic benefits.' SA Tourism added that the event created over 2,000 jobs, particularly for the youth and local communities, with an anticipated household income contribution exceeding R140 million. 'Current figures (still to be audited) indicate that Africa's Travel Indaba 2025, themed 'Unlimited Africa', hosted more than 9,990 attendees, marking an impressive 7.7% increase compared to 9,280 delegates that attended in 2024, with over 24,500 quality meetings held.' SA Tourism said that 1,348 exhibitors and 1,037 buyers attended the event, with both exhibitor and international buyer numbers being the highest recorded in the past four years. 'A total of 27 African countries participated, including new entrants from Chad, St Helena, and Burkina Faso. Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 was officially opened by His Excellency Paul Mashatile, South Africa's Deputy President, and the Honourable Patricia de Lille, South Africa's Minister of Tourism.' SA Tourism said that Thembisile Sehloho, Chief Marketing Officer of South African Tourism, together with Sibusiso Gumbi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film Authority; Winile Mntungwa, Deputy Head of Durban Tourism; and Sandile Makhanya, Acting Marketing & Communications Executive of Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), addressed the media at the wrap-up of Africa Travel Indaba 2025 on 15 May. Sehloho said that they are exceptionally proud to have once again delivered the premier showcase of the African continent's diverse tourism products and experiences. 'This year, we cemented Africa's Travel Indaba's position as a proudly Pan African event with a notable increase in the number of African countries participating. This success is a direct result of powerful collaboration with all our partners. The significant enthusiasm and business conducted reflect the robust growth and immense potential of the African tourism sector under the banner of 'Unlimited Africa.'' Gumbi said that he welcomed the enduring partnership between South African Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film Authority, the City of Durban, and the Durban ICC. 'I am pleased to say that KwaZulu-Natal has successfully hosted Africa's Travel Indaba again, achieving a record number of delegates, international buyers, and airlines this year. As Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and Film Authority, we supported 26 emerging tourism businesses who exhibited at our stand and had the opportunity to network with buyers from across Africa.' Gumbi added that the authority signed key Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with eSwatini Tourism and Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area Joint Marketing Agreement. 'This is part of the organisation's programmes to grow the Africa market for KwaZulu-Natal. They also had key engagements with several strategic partners such as Club Med and some airlines that will help grow their footprint globally.' Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, reiterated the ambitious targets of the Department's five-year Tourism Growth Partnership Plan. 'These include growing total tourism employment from approximately 1.84 million jobs in 2024 to 2.5 million jobs, increasing domestic spend by 25%, growing tourism's GDP contribution from 8.8% in 2024 to10%, and welcoming an extra million international air arrivals annually.' Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his opening address of Africa Travel Indaba, highlighted the 'Unlimited Africa' theme as a bold declaration of Africa's promise. 'Travel and tourism contributed 6.8% to Africa's GDP in 2023, with projections indicating a rise to 10.4% by 2030, and for South Africa, tourism currently contributes 8.9% to GDP, supporting 1.68 million jobs, with an ambitious target to grow this to 2.2 million jobs by 2030.' BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Golf's role in driving sports tourism and economy in South Africa
The tourism and hospitality sector have praised the sport of golf in boosting the economy and bringing international tourists to KZN and South Africa. The tourism and hospitality sector have praised the sport of golf in boosting the economy and bringing international tourists to KZN and South Africa. This comes after golfing legends Ernie Els and Retief Goosen were invited as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa's delegation to meet US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office in Washington on Wednesday. Rosemary Anderson, national chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa), said on Friday that golf was a powerful driver of tourism and hospitality, especially in South Africa where we boast some of the world's most scenic and high-quality golf courses. 'From the Garden Route to the highveld, South Africa offers championship-standard courses at a fraction of the cost compared to those in Europe, North America or China,' Anderson said. 'This combination of affordability and excellence is an untapped opportunity in the international market, which could be better leveraged to grow inbound tourism. SA Tourism should be targeting this untapped market with vigour.' Anderson added that sport tourism was a significant economic booster. 'It supports not only the direct sports venues but also stimulates broader travel spend - accommodation, dining, transport, and experiences. Golf, with its global appeal and affluent following, can contribute meaningfully to local economies, particularly in off-peak travel seasons, due to our wonderful weather in our country – golf is a year-round sport,' she said. Anderson said it was frustrating that South Africa has not aggressively gone after the golf market to attract more tourists to the country. 'Golf is more than just a sport; it's a global network that opens doors on many levels, including diplomacy. It was telling that during a recent diplomatic engagement at the White House, President Ramaphosa included South African golf legends Ernie Els and Retief Goosen in his delegation - an astute move, as former President Trump is famously passionate about golf and its champions,' she said. 'This illustrates the soft power and universal appeal of golf. Promoting South Africa as a top-tier, yet affordable, golfing destination can position the country as a premier choice for leisure and business tourism alike.' Umhlanga Tourism chairperson Jeannie Sarno said that sport tourism should always be a section in tourism to be calculated and considered. 'Especially golf. Durban has the perfect weather all year round, and it would be silly for us in tourism not to take full advantage of this and amongst other sports that could be looked into for future events,' Sarno said. Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), said that the KZN South Coast, which is known colloquially as 'The Golf Coast', was fortunate to have 11 quality golf courses, many of which offer a backdrop of the Indian Ocean set among stunning coastal forests. 'These are a major tourism attraction for visitors looking for a golf weekend getaway, or for those simply looking for a fun recreational activity while visiting this beautiful region,' he said. Sibiya added that golf remained one of the world's most popular sports and was a key strategy for business networking and engagement. 'The KZN South Coast is a top MICE [meetings, incentives, conferences, and events] destination, with our golf courses providing the perfect setting to host corporate days, fundraising events, and professional golf competitions such as The Wild Coast Classic, the Thursday Ladies Challenge Golf, and the South African Women's Masters.' Visit:
