When the SATOVITO Conference convenes to explore sustainable tourism, investment, and innovation across Southern Africa, one of the most anticipated voices on the programme will be Mashoto Mokgethi, Head of Domestic Tourism at South African Tourism. If you wish to attend the event, you can RSVP / register for free on Confspot at https://confspot.co.za/list/township-and-village-intra-trade-conference
Mokgethi, who leads the country’s domestic tourism strategy, will bring valuable insight into how local travel continues to fuel South Africa’s tourism recovery and economic growth. Her session is expected to delve into the role of domestic tourism as the foundation of a resilient, inclusive, and self-sustaining tourism economy.
Championing Local Travel in a National Growth Agenda
In her role as Hub Head – Domestic, Mokgethi is responsible for shaping national strategies and partnerships that encourage South Africans to explore their own country. Her work focuses on accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity, ensuring that tourism is seen not as a luxury, but as a shared national experience.
At the SATOVITO Conference, she will highlight how the domestic tourism sector has become a powerful driver of regional development — supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and nurturing national pride.
Insights from a Proven Industry Leader
Mokgethi’s leadership has already delivered tangible results. Since 2019, South Africa has seen consistent growth in local travel, largely thanks to targeted campaigns, improved digital engagement, and stronger collaboration between provincial tourism bodies and private operators.
She is also known for spearheading Sho’t Left Travel Week, a flagship initiative that promotes affordable travel deals and encourages South Africans to discover “Mzansi” through new and accessible experiences. At the SATOVITO Conference, she is expected to share lessons from this initiative as a case study in domestic market innovation, rather than a standalone campaign — illustrating how effective local marketing can drive nationwide economic impact.
Aligning Tourism with National Development Priorities
The SATOVITO Conference provides a high-level platform for policymakers, investors, and industry professionals to align strategies that strengthen Southern Africa’s tourism landscape. Mokgethi’s contribution will link directly to this goal, demonstrating how domestic tourism acts as both a stabiliser and a growth engine for the broader tourism economy.
Her presentation will address:
How local travel trends influence national tourism planning.
The role of partnerships between government, communities, and the private sector.
Overcoming affordability barriers through innovative travel models.
Digital transformation as a tool for reaching and inspiring local travellers.
Domestic Tourism as the Foundation for Sustainable Growth
Mokgethi’s participation reinforces SATOVITO’s central theme — that sustainable growth in tourism begins at home. By empowering South Africans to travel locally, the industry not only builds resilience but also spreads economic benefits more evenly across provinces and communities.
Her perspective underscores a simple but powerful message: a thriving domestic tourism sector is the cornerstone of a competitive global tourism destination. If you wish to attend the event, you can RSVP / register for free on Confspot at https://confspot.co.za/list/township-and-village-intra-trade-conference
Looking Ahead
As the tourism sector continues to rebuild after the pandemic, Mokgethi’s insights will be instrumental in guiding future strategies that balance global appeal with local participation. Her work exemplifies how inclusive tourism can unite people, stimulate economic opportunity, and keep South Africa’s travel spirit alive — one local journey at a time.
