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
Floods inflict record R9bn damage on Cape 
By: Bloomberg 18th June 2026 Recent flooding in South Africa’s Western Cape province, which includes the tourist hub of Cape Town, caused more than R9-billion of damage, a... →
Xenophobia in South Africa: state’s complicity with gangs and vigilantes is threatening its ability to govern
17th June 2026 Marches, Mozambicans murdered, state-sponsored evacuations, a nationally televised presidential address. Anti-immigrant mobilisation has again... →
Minister Aucamp applauds arrest of third suspect in KNP murder case
15th June 2026 The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Willie Aucamp, has applauded the swift arrest of a third suspect in connection with the... →
Business Confidence Shed Sentiment
11th June 2026 The SACCI’s Business Confidence Index (BCI) continued to decline by 7.7 index points in April 2026 but recovered in May 2026 by 0.5 index points to... →
GDP increased by 0.5% in the first quarter – Stats SA
By: Creamer Media Reporter 9th June 2026 South Africa’s GDP increased by 0.5% in the first quarter, following an increase of 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, Statistics South Africa... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, opening remarks at the Kenya State Visit, Pretoria (04/06/2026)
4th June 2026 Ours is a relationship rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a common vision for democracy, peace and prosperity across Africa. This visit... →
Ramaphosa punts future-focused industries as SA, Kenya deepen partnership
By: Thabi Shomolekae 4th June 2026 South Africa and Kenya are accelerating bilateral cooperation across emerging sectors, including green energy, AI, and digital trade to boost... →
Intergovernmental cooperation vital to coordinate R17.4 billion Cape Town International Airport expansion
3rd June 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape welcomes the extensive work being undertaken to modernise and expand Cape Town International... →
DA exposes Minister De Lille can’t produce any written legal advice for dissolving Tourism Board
3rd June 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) can reveal that Minister Patricia de Lille cannot produce any written legal advice for dissolving the Board of SA... →
SA: Willie Aucamp: Address by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment at the Kruger National Park Centenary Commemoration, Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National Park (30/05/2026)
1st June 2026 The tapestry of the Kruger National Park's story is one that was woven with threads of conservation, resilience, and the enduring bond between... →
