The Coastal & Waterways Tourism Investment Summit 2025, hosted in Hartbeespoort, North West, concluded with a strong call for unity, innovation, and investment to unlock the full potential of South Africa’s inland and coastal waterways.
Held over two days, the summit brought together government leaders, academics, industry stakeholders, and investors, creating a collaborative platform to chart the future of the Blue Economy.
Key Insights from the Summit
Delegates repeatedly emphasized that waterway tourism goes beyond leisure. It is about economic transformation, job creation, and community empowerment.
Among the highlights:
Executive Mayor Cllr. Douglas Maimane urged that Bojanala’s dams and rivers be seen as “blue gold” for tourism and investment.
Dr. Nomtha Hadi (SAIMI) showcased how a reimagined Operation Phakisa continues to drive aquaculture, youth training, and TVET partnerships nationwide.
Dr. Lynn Jonas (Nelson Mandela University) presented research and VR innovations designed to inspire young people while advancing sustainability.
Dr. Imraan Davis (SAMSA) stressed the importance of boating safety, officer training, and incident reporting to ensure safe and reliable water-based tourism.
Mr. Kgomotso Mokgethi (Department of Sports, Arts and Culture) highlighted the significance of protecting South Africa’s underwater cultural heritage, from historic shipwrecks to sacred lakes.
Opportunities for the Future
The summit reaffirmed that inland waterways such as Hartbeespoort, Vaalkop, Bospoort, and Koster dams hold immense untapped potential to become tourism hubs for:
Eco-tourism: birding, hiking, and sustainable nature-based activities.
Adventure tourism: rafting, kayaking, jet-skiing, and abseiling.
Cultural and heritage tourism: community-led storytelling, showcasing traditions, and preserving underwater heritage.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs): drawing in investors while generating jobs for local communities.
Delegates also emphasized that infrastructure and safety must remain central to these plans. Well-maintained roads, secure facilities, and streamlined permits were all flagged as vital to building investor confidence and boosting visitor numbers.
Unity as the Catalyst
One of the summit’s strongest themes was the need for unity in business and governance. Collaboration between government, private stakeholders, and local communities was presented as the key to:
Closing skills gaps.
Accelerating infrastructure projects.
Expanding opportunities for youth and marginalised groups.
Ensuring environmental stewardship alongside economic growth.
As one delegate summed it up: “Tourism is not just about recreation. It is about resilience, opportunity, and creating an economy that benefits generations to come.”
Looking Ahead
The event ended with gratitude to delegates, partners, and stakeholders who contributed to its success. Organisers confirmed that the 2nd Coastal & Waterways Tourism Investment Summit will be held in 2026, with details to be announced in due course.
Until then, the message is clear: South Africa must keep building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism sector, harnessing both inland waterways and coastal assets as engines of prosperity.
