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
The R31 Million Question: DA to question Minister McKenzie on FIFA spending
3rd August 2026 On Tuesday, 4 August, Minister Gayton McKenzie and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will account to Parliament on its FIFA World Cup 2026... →
Operation Vulindlela reports broader sweep, though progress uneven in Q1 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 31st July 2026 National Treasury on Friday highlighted sustained structural reforms aimed at reviving the country’s network industries, fixing local governance,... →
Zero-rated VAT on property sold as a going concern: SARS updates documentary proof requirements
30th July 2026 The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has updated its guidance on the documentary proof required to support the zero-rating of goods and... →
SAHRC report must trigger province-wide wastewater intervention
27th July 2026 The South African Human Rights Commission’s investigative report into recreational water quality and wastewater infrastructure failures, tabled... →
SA: Dr Leon Schreiber: Address by Home Affair Minister, at Xpatweb Annual Global Mobility Conference (21/07/2026)
24th July 2026 At the time, I argued that Home Affairs should no longer be viewed merely as an administrative department responsible for issuing documents and... →
DA welcomes KZN rhino poaching decline
20th July 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the significant decline in rhino-poaching mortalities at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) - from 307 in 2023, to... →
Minister Patricia De Lille welcomes Turkish Airlines' expansion to South Africa
8th July 2026 The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has welcomed the decision by Turkish Airlines to increase its direct services between South Africa and... →
SA: Patricia De Lille: Address by Tourism Minister, during the Latam Flight launch (03/07/2026)
6th July 2026 Today marks an important milestone for the future of connectivity, trade, investment and cooperation between two dynamic regions of the Global... →
Emirates arrives in Cape Town with a third daily service, its newest aircraft
By: Sabrina Jardim 2nd July 2026 International airline Emirates’ third daily service on the Dubai-Cape Town route landed at Cape Town International Airport on July 1, marking the... →
Lesufi betrays Mama Sophie De Bruyn’s legacy as Women’s Living Monument remains closed
1st July 2026 During his 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA), Premier Panyaza Lesufi pledged that Mrs Sophia ‘Sophie’ Williams-De Bruyn, the last surviving... →
