Tourism
Tourism is the industry encompassing the activities of people travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure, business or other purposes. The sector includes accommodation providers, transport operators, tour companies, attractions, restaurants and related services that cater to domestic and international visitors. Tourism plays a significant role in many African economies, generating foreign exchange, creating employment and supporting infrastructure development. Key segments include wildlife and safari tourism, cultural and heritage tourism, beach and coastal tourism, business and conference travel, and adventure tourism. The industry is sensitive to political stability, safety perceptions, exchange rates, visa regimes and the quality of transport and hospitality infrastructure. In South Africa, tourism contributes substantially to gross domestic product and employment, with major draws including national parks such as Kruger, coastal destinations, wine regions and cultural sites. The sector is typically overseen by national tourism boards and ministries responsible for marketing, policy and regulation. Tourism faces challenges including seasonality, environmental sustainability, community benefit-sharing and the need for skills development. The industry has shown vulnerability to external shocks such as health crises, security incidents and economic downturns, but remains a priority sector for growth and development across the continent.
Tourism Updates
Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PEWG) interventions show signs of significant progress
Updated 46 minutes ago Deputy President Paul Mashatile has commended significant progress made by the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG). This follows a meeting... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South African President, during the SA Youth National Leadership Convening (22/10/2026)
Updated 3 hours ago It is a social challenge. It is a human challenge. And it is a challenge that goes to the very heart of our nation's future. Every young person who... →
South African Travel Journal: Adventure Guide for Kids
Updated 6 hours ago South African Travel Journal is an interactive guide designed to inspire children aged 7–12 to explore South Africa in a fun, meaningful, and... →
IMF sees 1.3% contraction in Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan in 2026
By: Reuters 22nd October 2026 The IMF on Thursday forecast a sharp drop in economic output in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan this year due to the US-Israeli-led war... →
US says travellers should reconsider Kenya trips on health risks amid Ebola spread
By: Reuters 20th October 2026 The US State Department said on Monday it has asked Americans to reconsider any travel to Kenya and raised its travel advisory for the African... →
Increased SACCI Business Confidence Index
19th October 2026 Although the SACCI’s Business Confidence Index (BCI) dipped sharply in April 2026 due to the fuel price shock, it stabilized and recorded 125.4 in... →
Sacci’s September BCI up 10.9 points year-on-year
By: Schalk Burger 19th October 2026 Business organisation the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (Sacci’s) Business Confidence Index (BCI) for September was 10.9 index... →
How to make land reform partnerships work
By: Econ3x3 13th October 2026 Land restitution is far more complex than simply resettling dispossessed communities on restored land. If beneficiaries are to prosper and sustain... →
SA: Patricia de Lille: Address by Minister of Tourism, Tourism Investment Summit 2026 (01/10/2026)
2nd October 2026 This Summit takes place at an important moment for tourism, because globally and domestically there is growing recognition that tourism must be... →
SA: Dr Leon Schreiber: Address by Minister of Home Affairs, at the Home Affairs Quantum Leap: A Vision for the Future of Government at Constitution Hill (01/10/2026)
2nd October 2026 More than any other department, Home Affairs had become synonymous with public sector failure. Millions of South Africans associated it with taking... →
