Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that South Africa’s tourism industry, driven primarily by its abundant natural resources, holds significant potential to promote inclusive economic growth.
In his newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa praised the country’s natural beauty, which he said attracts millions of tourists annually, and emphasised the thriving cultural and heritage tourism, with 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
“As the festive season makes way for the start of the new year, many South Africans have been returning home from different parts of the country. Some people have been visiting family, while others have been exploring new places.
“This is a time of year when we get to appreciate why our country is such an attractive destination for visitors. We are blessed with natural splendour that is an integral part of our national heritage. It is an asset to our economy that every year draws millions of tourists from around the world to our shores,” the president said.
South Africa’s tourism sector, which includes major attractions like Robben Island, Table Mountain, and the Kruger National Park, recorded a rise in international tourism in 2023, with around 8.5 million arrivals.
By working together as government, business and communities, we can ensure that the natural splendour of our country becomes a driver of economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity. #LeaveNoOneBehind 🇿🇦https://t.co/35XbCVfKB7 pic.twitter.com/AyocaTsxgA
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) January 13, 2025
The sector also plays a key role in domestic tourism, with over 21 million domestic trips taken last year.
Ramaphosa noted the government’s efforts to boost tourism, including improved visa regimes, increased investment in infrastructure, and enhanced safety measures at tourism sites.
“We are scaling up a range of tourism promotion strategies to restore inbound tourism figures to pre-pandemic levels. These strategies include an improved tourism visa regime, streamlining the tour operator license process, increased investment in tourism infrastructure and services, and improving safety and security at tourism sites.”
Tourism is also seen as a growth area for small businesses, with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly practices. In 2023, tourism supported around 1.5 million jobs, with ongoing initiatives to support youth employment and small businesses.
South Africa plans to use its hosting of the G20 summit to promote the country as a top tourism destination.
The government aims to build a competitive, sustainable tourism industry, creating jobs and fostering shared prosperity.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
