The South African tourism industry has once again demonstrated its vital role in job creation and economic growth. Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille lauded the sector’s remarkable impact during a media briefing held on Friday, 11 October 2024. De Lille revealed that domestic tourism spending hit an impressive R121 billion in 2023. As the summer season approaches, her department is set to launch a campaign focused on domestic travellers, a group she sees as the foundation of the tourism industry.
Domestic Tourism’s Contribution
Patricia De Lille, who retained her role as Tourism Minister following the 2024 elections and the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), has emphasized her commitment to making tourism more accessible to South Africans. Speaking to the Daily Maverick after the briefing, she highlighted the importance of domestic travel, calling it the “bedrock of our sector.”
De Lille stated, “We are working with both government and private lodges to ensure that their offerings become more available to the domestic market. Many of these lodges have traditionally catered to international tourists, but we need to make sure South Africans are at the heart of this industry as well.”
The numbers back up her sentiment. In 2023, domestic tourism spending reached R121 billion, while international tourism contributed R95 billion. This underlines the pivotal role local travellers play in sustaining the tourism sector.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
During her briefing, De Lille shared positive news about the sector’s growth. She announced that the number of jobs in tourism is projected to grow to 1.7 million in 2024, up from 1.46 million in 2023. “Tourism’s direct and indirect contribution to GDP in the first quarter of this year was 8.8%, more than sectors like construction, transport, and mining,” said De Lille.
These figures demonstrate the immense potential of tourism in South Africa, a sector that continues to expand despite global challenges. De Lille expressed pride in these accomplishments, adding that they are committed to growing these numbers even further.
Increasing International Arrivals
International tourism has also seen a steady rise, with more than 5.8 million international visitors arriving between January and August 2024. This is an increase of 7.0% compared to the same period in 2023, with most arrivals (around 4.4 million) coming from other African nations.
For the full 2023 year, South Africa saw 8.4 million international arrivals, a significant 51.3% rise compared to the previous year, which was still impacted by the pandemic. “The growth has been promising, but we are committed to enhancing our marketing efforts and building up our tourism offering to attract even more visitors,” De Lille said.
Looking Forward: 2030 Goals and Infrastructure Development
De Lille’s department has ambitious plans for the future, with a target of 15 million international arrivals by 2030. To achieve this, the Tourism Ministry is collaborating with key departments such as Home Affairs, Transport, and Arts and Culture. They are also working closely with Operation Vulindlela within the Presidency to improve visa processes, expand direct flights, and streamline tour operator licensing.
Investments in infrastructure, particularly at key tourism sites, will focus on reflecting South Africa’s diverse cultures and heritage, helping to make the country an even more attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.
As the country gears up for the busy summer season, De Lille’s message remains clear: South Africa has something truly unique to offer. From its diverse wildlife to its vibrant cities and rich cultural history, the tourism sector continues to be a driving force for economic growth and job creation.
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