Tourism Remains a Key Driver of the Economy

The tourism sector continues to be a vital driver of South Africa’s economy, according to Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu.

Speaking at the recent Tourism Women’s Stakeholder Engagement, Sotyu highlighted how the Department of Tourism, through its various programs, fulfills its mandate for inclusive economic growth and the development of the tourism sector.

“It is in this context that the government will continue to create a conducive environment for youth, women, and people with disabilities in tourism to pursue careers, including entrepreneurship,” Sotyu said.

Describing tourism as “the world’s fastest-growing employment sector,” Sotyu emphasized that South Africa is working to build the sector to ensure its sustainability for future generations. She noted that to drive sustained and inclusive growth in tourism, boosting the talent pool is crucial. “A demand-led skill supply in the sector is therefore pivotal,” she added.

Tourism has experienced significant growth and diversification over the years, becoming one of the fastest-growing economic sectors. The department’s programs include the Wine Service Training Programme, Chefs Training Programme, Professional Cookery, Food Safety Quality Assurers Programme, Food and Beverages Training, Tourism Monitors Programme, and Tourist Guiding.

Deputy Minister Sotyu explained that these programs offer economic relief through stipends, placements in tourism establishments for exposure and experience, and accreditation ranging from National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 2 to NQF Level 4.

“We will continue working with social partners to identify essential and demand-led skills required in the tourism sector and build the requisite skills through our departmental funding,” Sotyu said. “The Tourism Incentive Market Access Support Programme offers partial financial support for exhibition space, return airfare, and hotel accommodation to qualifying small tourism enterprises participating in selected international tourism marketing platforms.”

Tourism Month

Tourism Month, celebrated annually in September, provides a heightened focus on the importance of the sector to the South African economy. It features themed activities aligned with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) World Tourism Day celebrations.

This year’s World Tourism Day will be observed in the Northern Cape Province under the local theme: “Tourism and Peace – 30 Years of Connecting People to Places and Cultures.” The event will celebrate South Africa’s diverse cultural and historical heritage, which continues to foster peace and make the country a preferred holiday destination.

The UNWTO’s global observance aims to raise awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political, and economic value and its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Tourism Sector Recovery Plan

Tourism Month encourages South Africans to travel domestically to sustain jobs and support the recovery of tourism, in line with the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan. Developed with input from the tourism sector, the plan includes interventions to protect and rejuvenate supply, reignite demand, and strengthen the sector’s enabling capabilities.

“Tourism is a significant pillar of our economy and offers the best chance for increasing social inclusion by leveraging heritage and tourism for social, spatial, and economic growth. But tourism is more than just revenue; it generates goodwill. It’s about the people of South Africa – united in diversity,” Sotyu said.

South Africa recently celebrated the addition of South African human rights and liberation struggle sites to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list. This recognition is expected to enhance the nation’s brand value and competitiveness as a tourist destination and support the country’s heritage tourism sector.