South African Tourism names Darryl Erasmus as new COO

SOUTH AFRICA – Darryl Erasmus, an influential figure in hospitality and tourism, has been named Chief Operations Officer (COO) at South African Tourism (SA Tourism), with his appointment taking effect from January 27.

The new COO’s responsibilities include overseeing the organisation’s corporate services functions, streamlining internal operations, and tailoring global strategies for South Africa’s tourism sector.

Erasmus brings extensive industry experience, having previously held the role of Chief Quality Assurance Officer at SA Tourism’s Tourism Grading Council.

His career includes senior positions with leading brands such as Travelport, Protea Hotels, and Intercontinental Hotels.

He also served as Managing Director of BLAZE Integrated Hospitality Marketing Agency and, most recently, as Director at DAX Advisory Services, where he provided consulting and advisory services for the tourism and hospitality industries.

SA Tourism described Erasmus’s appointment as a strategic move to bolster its leadership and drive operational excellence. According to the organisation, his return signals a renewed focus on improving South Africa’s global tourism competitiveness and achieving key strategic goals.

In a statement, the organisation highlighted that Erasmus’s leadership would enhance the entity’s ability to deliver on its objectives, improve efficiency, and promote South Africa as a leading global destination.

Erasmus conveyed his excitement about rejoining SA Tourism following the appointment, expressing a strong personal connection to the organisation and a commitment to fostering growth in the tourism sector.

The new COO also pledged to focus on building a high-performance team, amplifying tourism’s economic impact, and elevating the country’s global profile.

Erasmus’s appointment, approved by the SA Tourism Board in December 2024, comes at a critical time as the organisation prioritises operational improvements and market expansion.

His leadership is expected to make significant contributions to the organisation’s mission of promoting South Africa as a world-class destination while driving economic development.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Business Management from Oxford Brookes University, a Postgraduate Global Executive Development Program from GIBS, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Studies from Henley Business School.

Additionally, he has earned certifications in Financial Management, Marketing, and Business Development.

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