Latest news with #SouthAfricanTourism
Zawya
24-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: De Lille outlines tourism budget priorities, reforms and growth plans
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has outlined how the Department of Tourism's R2.434bn budget for the 2025/26 financial year will be directed towards destination development, tourism support services, legislative reforms, and job creation, with a strong emphasis on rural and township economies. "This budget is based on the Government of National Unity's Programme of Action for the next five years," said De Lille, addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday, 22 July. "Our mission is clear: to elevate the profile of tourism as a key driver of economic growth and job creation, as it is identified in the National Development Plan and the Tourism Sector Master Plan." Budget allocation breakdown According to De Lille, the primary allocations from the R2.434bn budget include: • R1.3bn to South African Tourism • R331m to Destination Development, primarily directed to the Working for Tourism programme • R331m to Tourism Sector Support Services, which fund initiatives such as the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP), Tourism Grading, Market Access, and the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF) Response to Select Committee concerns De Lille welcomed the recommendations from the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, chaired by Sonja Boshoff, stating: "The Select Committee has identified key aspects where I, too, think the Department of Tourism and South African Tourism can sharpen their focus to deliver on our mandate." "These matters the Department is trying to address in its work, and the current Budget Policy is before the NCOP today for debate," she said. Focus on legislative reforms and governance The department will finalise and table the Tourism Amendment Bill, which aims to address short-term rentals, grading enforcement, and governance. De Lille also committed to: • Reviewing legacy strategies, including those on Heritage & Cultural Tourism, Rural Tourism, and Service Excellence • Implementing 60-day fund approval targets for GTIP, TEF and TTF, with consequence management • Enhancing oversight and governance through quarterly public dashboards tracking EPWP placements, fund disbursements, and risk metrics She said: 'We will strengthen internal controls, audit committees and contract and consequence-management frameworks.' New five-pillar sector plan launched De Lille unveiled the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, a sector-wide action framework built on five pillars: 1. Ease of access – including visa reform, air connectivity and road transport 2. Coordinated destination marketing 3. Tourist safety and security 4. Tourism product development 5. Job creation – with a focus on youth employment and skills pathways She announced that an Execution Lab will be held next week with sector leaders to develop implementation strategies and timelines to meet 2030 growth targets. Destination development projects in nine provinces De Lille detailed 17 community tourism infrastructure projects scheduled for completion this financial year. Highlights include: • Mthonsi and Qatywa Lodges (Eastern Cape) • Qwa Qwa Guest House (Free State) • Muzi Pan Project (KwaZulu-Natal) • 10 Limpopo projects, including Mapate Recreational Tourism, Nandoni Dam and Phiphidi Waterfall • Mdluli Cultural Centre (Mpumalanga) and Manyane Lodge (North West) At the Tisane Project in Limpopo, upgrades to accommodation and a restaurant have already enabled the hosting of several community functions. "We are also working to finalise condition assessments for five World Heritage Sites," she added. Nearly 18,000 visit new dinosaur centre in a month Since launching on 22 June 2025, the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre at Golden Gate Highlands National Park has already attracted nearly 18,000 tourists in its first month. "This demonstrates the power of partnerships. The project was funded by the European Union, with the Department of Tourism working in close collaboration with the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries," said De Lille. Investment and marketing initiatives In September 2025, the department will host the first Tourism Investment Conference in Cape Town to attract anchor investors for tourism infrastructure. "We will launch our Tourism Investment Booklet in collaboration with the UN Tourism," De Lille said. South African Tourism will also sharpen its marketing efforts, particularly in India, China, and Brics+ countries, supported by the improved air access and direct flights expected to resume through SAA. At the recent China mission with Deputy President Paul Mashatile, De Lille noted: "It was encouraging to hear from 150 tour operators about the positive impact the Department of Tourism's Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) is having on sentiment." The department aims to support 105 MICE bid submissions, convert 25 into closed wins, and host 10 events in villages, townships and small towns, with a targeted economic impact of R120m. Youth innovation and risk management To address digital and climate-related challenges, the department is developing a Digital Maturity Roadmap, a real-time tourism dashboard, and mobile tools. A G20 Hackathon will also be hosted, in partnership with 18 higher education institutions, inviting students to propose digital tourism solutions. The Sector Risk and Mitigation Plan will prioritise climate change, safety, health, and governance. In closing, De Lille reiterated the department's commitment to reform and inclusive growth: "Together, we will create a resilient and inclusive tourism sector that powers South Africa's future."
eNCA
11-07-2025
- Business
- eNCA
Patricia de Lille reacts to alleged R100m SA Tourism tender scandal
JOHANNESBURG - The Tourism Department denies allegations of serious tender procurement irregularities. This relates to the hosting of flagship trade event Meeting Africa and Africa's Travel Indaba which happened early this year. The department allegedly awarded a R100 million rand tender to a company that failed to show proof of experience, and which provided false and misleading information in its bid. In a statement by the Department of Tourism it denied these allegations. The department said no tender worth R100 million was awarded. It further emphasised that the countries tourism is commissioned by two independent firms who conduct a probity and forensic review of all tender processes. "Their findings were received, reviewed and informed internal consequence management actions. I have been informed by the South African Tourism that the cost of both audits were less than R1 million."
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Minister De Lille addresses South Africa Tourism tender allegations
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has issued a statement in response to reports of serious procurement irregularities at South African Tourism, which are linked to tenders for hosting flagship trade events. The allegations, first reported by City Press and News24, have dominated headlines since the weekend, raising concerns over public accountability within the tourism sector. "I have noted with deep concern the media reports published by City Press and News24 on the allegations of serious procurement irregularities at South African Tourism, specifically relating to tenders linked to the hosting of flagship trade events," said De Lille. 'I take these allegations extremely seriously. Tourism is a vital part of our economy, and we must uphold the highest standards of ethical governance and public accountability.' Clarification on tender status De Lille confirmed that she had been informed by South African Tourism that no tender to the value of R100m had been awarded. She further stated: "South African Tourism commissioned two independent firms (Chapu Chartered Accountants and Abacus Financial Crime Advisory) to conduct a probity and forensic review of the tender process. "Their findings were received, reviewed, and informed internal consequence management actions. I have been informed by South African Tourism that the cost of both audits were less than R1m." According to a Tourism Update report, the audits were allegedly commissioned after scoring by bid evaluation committee members was manipulated in favour of a particular service provider. SA Tourism has denied turning a blind eye, asserting that action was taken through internal consequence management and disciplinary processes, while stressing that no single R100m tender was ever awarded. Disciplinary actions in progress 'Officials implicated in procedural violations were removed from procurement committees as part of an internal disciplinary process initiated in 2024. Disciplinary processes are underway,' the statement continued. De Lille addressed claims that South African Tourism denied the existence of the forensic reports: 'Media claims that South African Tourism denied the existence of the reports are misleading. At no point were the reports denied; rather, the matter is under legal processes as the completeness and admissibility of certain findings were contested.' Ministerial briefing delays Lastly, the Minister noted concern that she had not been timeously briefed on the media inquiry regarding the matter. 'It is regrettable that I was not briefed on the media inquiry from City Press at the time it was received. I have since requested a further briefing from the South African Tourism Board and expect full cooperation in ensuring transparency going forward,' De Lille concluded. Allegations around tourism monitors tender Separate procurement concerns have also surfaced relating to the Department of Tourism's R174.5m Tourism Monitors Programme (TMP). According to BusinessTech, a manipulated tender process is alleged around a contract awarded for work at KwaZulu-Natal's Ezemvelo Nature Reserve. A bidder who initially led scoring was later sidelined after the department controversially amended tender requirements, allowing a previously disqualified company to secure the contract. The department has confirmed these allegations are under investigation. A Travel and Tour World report similarly flagged concerns, stating that the alleged irregularities have raised unease within the sector about how safety tenders intended to protect tourists and empower unemployed youth are being managed. The publication also noted that opposition parties have called for a full audit of the Tourism Monitors Programme and tighter oversight over tender processes. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dates announced for Meetings Africa 2026 and Africa's Travel Indaba 2026
The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, together with the South African Tourism Board, has officially announced the 2026 dates for the country's two flagship tourism trade shows — Meetings Africa and Africa's Travel Indaba. Meetings Africa 2026 will take place from 23 to 25 February 2026, with the Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) set for 22 February. Africa's Travel Indaba 2026 will be held from 11 to 14 May 2026, with its BONDay scheduled for 10 May. 'These are not just dates, they are important milestones in our continent's tourism and business events calendar,' said Minister De Lille. 'They are South African Tourism's commitment to partnering and working with the global tourism and business events sector, to facilitate valuable connections with various partners from across the globe. "With this announcement, we are affirming South Africa's position as a leading host of world-class business events.' Source: Supplied Showcasing African business and leisure tourism Meetings Africa remains one of the continent's leading business events trade show, collaborating with the African continent to position Africa as a capable, creative, and competitive destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). Africa's Travel Indaba continues to be one of the world's top leisure tourism marketing events, showcasing African tourism products, services and stories to the global market. Both shows play a vital role in promoting market access, creating economic impact, and contributing to job creation and long-term sustainability for the sector, particularly supporting small tourism enterprises. South African Tourism has confirmed that a competitive bidding process is underway to appoint host cities for both events from 2026 for the next five years, providing an opportunity to evolve, innovate and maximise the events' impact for all stakeholders.
The South African
18-06-2025
- The South African
This travel trend generated over R1 billion for SA tourism in 2024
If you love luxury and the great outdoors, this travel trend is probably on your bucket list. Glamping, a luxurious blend of glamour and camping, is currently having its moment in the spotlight. Glamping allows travellers to experience nature up close. However, unlike regular camping, glamping allows travellers to enjoy modern conveniences and luxury. Many glamping tents even look like luxury homes. South African Tourism reports that the local glamping industry generated an estimated $65.8 million (approximately R1.18 billion) in 2024. That's being highlighted ahead of Africa's first Glamping Expo, which is set to take place later this week. Furthermore, the glamping travel trend will only grow in the coming years. Based on a market report by Grand View Research, South African Tourism expects the industry to be worth $89.5 million by 2030. It's mainly millennials and Gen Zs who love this travel trend. This age group famously appreciates quirky, experience-based travel options. Certainly, glamping provides a unique sense of closeness to the outdoors, with some sites offering nights under starry Karoo skies or the opportunity to see wild animals. In a first for the continent, the Glamping Expo takes place on 20-21 June at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. South African Tourism and Gauteng Tourism Authority are supporting the event as part of efforts to promote rural development and diversify the country's tourism attractions. Delegates will gather under the theme 'Reimagining Innovation & Regenerative Tourism'. This aims to spotlight how the glamping travel trend can support sustainable tourism development. South Africa is a hotspot for glamping innovation in the Global South. This is thanks to the availability of luxury travel experiences and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
