Government plans to enhance tourism promotion strategies to recover inbound tourism numbers- Ramaphosa

SOUTH AFRICA – President Cyril Ramaphosa stated on January 13 that the government will leverage the upcoming G20 summit to highlight and promote South Africa as a top tourism destination, emphasizing the sector’s significant potential.

In his weekly address to the nation, President Ramaphosa outlined the government’s efforts to boost inbound tourism and return figures to pre-pandemic levels.

These strategies include enhancing the tourism visa application and approval process, simplifying tour operator licensing, increasing investment in tourism infrastructure and services, and ensuring better safety and security at tourist destinations.

Ramaphosa noted the rise in inbound tourism after the pandemic, with 8.5 million international visitors arriving in South Africa in 2023, contributing over ZAR 95 billion (US$5 million) to the economy.

He emphasized that domestic tourism remains a cornerstone of the sector, with South Africans taking more than 21 million trips within the country between January and July 2023.

Additionally, the World Economic Forum recognized South Africa as the top tourism destination in Africa, attributing this success to factors such as a favorable business environment and strong IT and tourism infrastructure.

He also highlighted that the tourism sector supports approximately 1.5 million jobs, both directly and indirectly.

The Presidential Employment Stimulus has played a significant role in fostering job creation by offering employment opportunities for young people and assisting small, medium, and micro-enterprises in tourism.

Ramaphosa stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, businesses, and communities to leverage the country’s natural beauty as a driver for economic growth, job creation, and shared prosperity.

The government has identified tourism as a key element in its employment strategy. In October 2023, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille introduced a new White Paper to guide the development of a sustainable, competitive, and inclusive tourism industry.

According to Ramaphosa, tourism offers significant opportunities for small business development, with many new ventures focusing on sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

He concluded by reaffirming the importance of South Africa’s natural heritage, which attracts millions of tourists each year and contributes to the growth of cultural and heritage tourism.

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