Authenticity, quality standards, and collaboration were key themes during a workshop session at the Township and Village Tourism Expo held at The Soshanguve Hotel.
During the session, Siyabonga Mthethwa from South African Tourism highlighted that one of the greatest strengths of township and village tourism lies in the authentic experiences visitors gain when exploring these communities. Tourists visiting townships are able to engage directly with local culture, heritage, food, and stories — experiences that go far beyond what they can read about online.
“Visitors want to experience real stories, real communities, and authentic culture,” Siyabonga Mthethwa noted, emphasising that township tourism provides travellers with meaningful encounters that create lasting memories and deeper cultural understanding.
Another important topic raised during the workshop was the role of quality assurance in strengthening the credibility of township tourism businesses. The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, a division of South African Tourism, plays a critical role in grading accommodation and tourism establishments across the country.
Grading helps ensure that international visitors can trust the quality and service standards offered by tourism establishments, including those operating in townships and villages. By obtaining official grading, businesses demonstrate that they meet recognised industry standards, giving tourists confidence and ensuring they receive value during their excursions while enjoying authentic local culture.
The workshop also explored global tourism competitiveness. Morocco, for example, recently reported approximately 21 to 24 million international tourist arrivals, while South Africa continues working toward its target of 15 million arrivals. Several factors contribute to this difference, including geographical advantages and ease of travel for European visitors to North African destinations.
However, speakers emphasised that while some destinations may receive higher visitor numbers, South Africa often benefits from higher visitor spending, as travellers tend to stay longer and engage in diverse tourism activities.
One of South Africa’s greatest competitive advantages is its unique cultural diversity. Unlike many destinations, visitors to South Africa can experience multiple cultures, traditions, and languages within a single province, offering a rich and diverse tourism experience that few countries in the world can match.
Industry stakeholders were encouraged to collaborate more actively in promoting township and village tourism products. Organisations such as South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO) continue to support local businesses by helping them develop, market, and position their tourism offerings for both domestic and international markets.
The message to entrepreneurs was clear: tourism businesses must package and present their products effectively, ensuring they align with what global travellers are seeking. By improving product quality, obtaining grading, and working collectively as an industry, township and village tourism enterprises can become stronger participants in the global tourism market.
The workshop forms part of the broader Township and Village Tourism Expo programme, which focuses on equipping local tourism businesses with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in a competitive global tourism landscape.
