Cape Town: President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa’s tourism sector, largely underpinned by its natural endowments, has great potential to drive inclusive growth.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa highlighted in his newsletter to the nation the significance of South Africa’s natural beauty as a major draw for international tourists. With the festive season concluding, the influx of visitors has underscored the country’s appeal as a tourism destination. South Africa’s natural splendour, comprising beaches, national parks, and biodiversity conservation areas, forms a crucial part of its national heritage and economic asset.
The President recently visited Robben Island in the Western Cape, one of the nation’s top tourist attractions, alongside Table Mountain and the Kruger National Park. Cultural and heritage tourism is also thriving, with South Africa boasting 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Robben Island and the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng. The World Eco
nomic Forum recognized South Africa as Africa’s leading tourism destination last year, citing its business environment, IT infrastructure, and tourism services.
After a decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism is rebounding. In 2023, the country welcomed around 8.5 million international tourists, contributing over R95 billion. Domestic tourism remains strong, with South Africans taking over 21 million trips between January and July last year. President Ramaphosa emphasized the potential for further growth in the tourism sector, outlining strategies to enhance tourism promotion, improve visa processes, and boost safety and investment in tourism infrastructure.
The tourism industry supports approximately 1.5 million jobs and is a key area for small business development, with a growing focus on sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices. This year, South Africa will host the first G20 summit on African soil, offering a platform to promote the nation as a preferred tourism destination.
The UN Tourism
notes that the G20 economies account for a significant portion of global tourist arrivals and GDP, providing an opportunity for South Africa to highlight tourism’s role in job creation and sustainable development. The Government of National Unity emphasizes tourism’s importance in fostering employment, with a new White Paper guiding the industry’s sustainable and inclusive growth.
President Ramaphosa concluded by stressing the collaborative effort needed between government, business, and communities to leverage South Africa’s natural beauty as a catalyst for economic growth and shared prosperity.