Cape town: Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has announced significant government investment in tourism infrastructure, aimed at fostering economic growth and job creation, which are central priorities for the South African government. Speaking at the Department of Tourism's Budget Vote, De Lille highlighted the government's confidence in the tourism sector through ongoing investments.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Department of Tourism has been allocated R2.54 billion for the 2026/27 financial year. During this period, the department plans to complete several tourism infrastructure projects, emphasizing the sector's importance to the national economy. Statistics South Africa's Tourism Satellite Account reported that tourism sustained over 954,000 direct jobs in 2024 and contributed 4.9% to the GDP, outperforming sectors like agriculture, utilities, and construction.
De Lille also mentioned the launch of the Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit last year, which featured eight bankable projects with a combined investment value of approximately R1 billion. Building on this momentum, the submissions for the second summit, scheduled for 30 September and 1 October in Gauteng, are now open. The Minister noted that the private sector is also showing confidence in South Africa's tourism future, with investments signaling a strong vote of confidence in the country's tourism economy.
The Minister emphasized the importance of domestic tourism, noting that it forms the foundation of a resilient tourism sector. The annual Sho't Left Travel Week campaign, which offers discounted travel deals, continues to motivate South Africans to explore their country. In 2025, South Africans made 44.7 million overnight trips, generating R111.6 billion in tourism revenue. Notably, some lesser-visited provinces recorded significant growth, with the Northern Cape experiencing a 58.4% increase, reaching 1.9 million overnight trips, and the Northwest achieving 34% growth with 4.2 million overnight trips.
De Lille concluded by stressing the collaborative efforts between national government, provincial authorities, municipalities, and the private sector in unlocking new tourism opportunities beyond traditional destinations. The Department of Tourism's allocation of R2.54 billion for the 2026/27 financial year underscores the commitment to fostering a robust and dynamic tourism landscape in South Africa.