Latest news with #PatriciaDeLille
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 grows attendance, boosts Durban economy
Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 has contributed notably to Durban's economy and local communities. The event impacted sectors including infrastructure, logistics, accommodation, restaurants, and transport. Preliminary figures estimate the event added around R574m to Durban's GDP, with direct spending exceeding R232m. Over 2,000 jobs were created, primarily benefiting youth and local communities, and expected household income from these jobs surpasses R140m. Attendance and participation figures The event drew nearly 10,000 attendees — a 7.7% increase from 2024 — and facilitated over 24,500 meetings. It hosted 1,348 exhibitors and 1,037 buyers, the highest numbers in four years, with participation from 27 African countries, including new entrants such as Chad, St Helena, and Burkina Faso. Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 opened with addresses by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille. Growing engagement Thembisile Sehloho, chief marketing officer of South African Tourism, said: "We delivered the continent's main platform for tourism products and experiences. The increase in participating African countries demonstrates growing engagement. This reflects the growth and potential of the African tourism sector under 'Unlimited Africa." Winile Mntungwa, deputy head of Durban Tourism, noted: "The event's economic effects extended beyond the city centre, benefiting township and rural tourism enterprises — formal and informal — including hospitality businesses involved in pre- and post-tours and local services." Sibusiso Gumbi, acting CEO of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film Authority, added: 'KwaZulu-Natal hosted Africa's Travel Indaba with record attendance from delegates, buyers, and airlines. We supported 26 emerging tourism businesses who had opportunities to network with buyers across Africa.' Gumbi also mentions new partnerships with eSwatini Tourism and the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area Joint Marketing Agreement as part of growing the African market for KwaZulu-Natal. Sandile Makhanya, acting marketing and communications executive at Durban ICC, said: 'As the ICC, we continue to ensure the event showcases Africa and contributes to the local economy. We involved students from Durban University of Technology and local culinary talents for hands-on experience.' Source: Supplied Support for small businesses, sustainability efforts The Department of Tourism and provincial authorities supported roughly 400 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to attend, providing access to buyers. South African Tourism offered free exhibition space for small businesses promoting arts and crafts through a sustainability village. Minister Patricia de Lille outlined the Department's targets for the next five years, including increasing tourism employment from about 1.84 million to 2.5 million jobs, growing domestic spend by 25%, raising tourism's GDP contribution from 8.8% to 10%, and adding one million international air arrivals annually. She also introduced the new global brand campaign: 'South Africa awaits – Come Find Your Joy!' Deputy President Paul Mashatile said: "Travel and tourism contributed 6.8% to Africa's GDP in 2023, projected to rise to 10.4% by 2030. In South Africa, tourism accounts for 8.9% of GDP and supports 1.68 million jobs, with plans to increase that to 2.2 million jobs by 2030." All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 opens with bold vision for inclusive growth
South Africa's Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, officially opened Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 this morning, 13 May 2025, in Durban at the Durban ICC (Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex), delivering a rallying call for inclusive, sustainable, and accelerated tourism growth across the continent. In front of an esteemed audience, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile, African Tourism Ministers, international buyers, media, and industry stakeholders, Minister De Lille positioned the Indaba as a catalyst for job creation, economic development, and African leadership on the global tourism stage. "This year, Durban is the host city of Indaba and a symbol of momentum for the entire African tourism community." Strong growth trajectory for tourism De Lille shared the latest performance figures for the sector: • In 2024, South Africa alone welcomed 8.9 million tourists, and their direct spending contribution was R91.6bn, supporting an estimated 1.6 million jobs. • In the first quarter of 2025, South Africa welcomed close to 2.6 million tourists, reflecting a 5.7% growth compared to the same period in 2024. • 75% of South Africa's international arrivals come from the rest of Africa. According to UN Tourism, "in 2024, tourism in Africa saw a sharp rebound, with a 96% recovery compared to 2019, positioning our continent among the world's fastest-growing regional tourism destinations." A continental gathering of significance De Lille announced that "this year's Indaba welcomes over 1,300 exhibitors, delegates from 27 African countries, and over 1,200 vetted international buyers from 55 source markets." "We are especially honoured to welcome new participants from Chad, St Helena, and Burkina Faso, whose presence affirms Indaba's growing role as a truly continental platform." She described the African tourism economy as one that is "diverse, youthful, digital, and green." New five-year growth plan De Lille said the Department of Tourism is finalising a Tourism Growth Partnership Plan for the next five years, aiming to: • Grow total employment from approximately 1,840,000 in 2024 to 2,500,000 jobs. • Grow domestic spend by 25%. • Grow GDP contribution from approximately 8.8% in 2024 to 10%. • Welcome an extra one million international air arrivals annually. This means growing by 35% from 2.8m in 2024 to 3.8m and beyond. 'This is not a difficult ask if we all work together. Anything is possible if we work hard." New brand campaign launched De Lille also introduced South African Tourism's new global brand campaign, titled 'South Africa Awaits – Come Find Your Joy.' She described it as "a heartfelt invitation to experience our country not just through places but also through people, culture, and emotion." "Joy is Africa's gift to the world, and our tourism offerings are its vessel." Africa's time is now In closing, De Lille said, "This is our time. This is our Africa." She thanked delegates, buyers, and partners for their support and urged them to "use this platform to shape a stronger, more united tourism future for our continent—one in which Africa is included and leading." All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
News24
14-05-2025
- Business
- News24
Beyond the safari: De Lille urges focus on South Africa's hidden gems
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille called for a shift away from traditional safari-focused marketing, encouraging promotion of South Africa's diverse and lesser-known attractions. She highlighted the need to showcase township experiences, cultural heritage, and coastal offerings to attract a wider range of international tourists. De Lille said sustainable tourism growth requires inclusivity and broader representation of what the country has to offer. Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 officially opened its doors at the Durban International Convention Centre this week, bringing together tourism ministers, buyers, sellers, media, and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond in a bold bid to reposition Africa, with South Africa positioning itself as a premier global travel destination. The annual trade show, running from 13 May to 16 May, was opened by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who stressed the importance of boosting tourism to drive sustainable development and job creation across the continent. 'We are here to show the world the best of Africa,' Mashatile declared. 'Through partnerships and innovation, we can unlock the tourism potential of our beautiful countries, support small businesses and communities while building a stronger Africa. At the heart of the event was Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, who expressed enthusiasm about the scale and impact of this year's event. 'We are very positive. We're looking for a breakthrough where we can grow tourism in our country and across the continent exponentially,' De Lille said. We've got the rivers, the mountains, the seas, and so much more; we just need to be more aggressive in our marketing. Patricia de Lille The 2025 indaba features more than 1 300 exhibitors and 1 200 buyers from 55 countries, including major tourism markets like China, India, the UK, and the US. De Lille pointed to the department of tourism's market access programme, which supports 120 small and medium tourism enterprises by connecting them with international buyers and providing essential follow-up support. 'This event is not just about showcasing products, it's about real business growth,' she added. Moving beyond safaris: Hidden gems take the spotlight De Lille emphasised that domestic tourism remains the bedrock of the country's industry and urged continued promotion of lesser-known destinations. 'We must show off the hidden gems in provinces like the Free State, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo,' she said. South Africans are realising that our country offers so much more than iconic spots like Table Mountain or the Kruger Park. Patricia De Lille The global tourism market remains competitive, with Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, and Tanzania leading the continent. South Africa currently ranks fourth, but De Lille is not content with that. 'We've seen only 5% growth in 2023 and 5.1% this year; that's not good enough. We need to do things differently,' she said. A new global campaign titled Africa Awaits, South Africa Awaits – Come and Find Your Joy has been launched to reinvigorate the sector. Improved visa processing is also a key priority. De Lille noted the imminent rollout of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which will streamline visa applications and significantly reduce processing times. 'This will be a game-changer,' she affirmed. Perception vs reality: Addressing safety concerns De Lille acknowledged that South Africa faces challenges around perception, particularly concerning safety and political stability. 'We must convert potential visitors who hesitate due to concerns about crime or safety,' De Lille said. 'The South African Police Service is working closely with the tourism sector, including deploying tourism safety monitors at key locations.' She referenced a recent global perception survey in which South Africa ranked seventh, noting that while positive, it's no reason to rest. 'Perception becomes reality. We need to break down negative narratives daily,' she added, pointing out that repeat visitors, particularly from Europe, are among the country's strongest advocates. A pan-African marketplace: Unity through tourism Thembisile Sehloho, the chief marketing officer at SA Tourism, described the indaba as 'a shopping mall for travel experiences.' 'Tour operators come here to build unique packages from across the continent,' she said. 'This show demonstrates that Africa is not just competing internally, we're creating together.' Sehloho celebrated the record number of African countries represented this year, including exciting new entrants like Saint Helena. 'We've seen a 10% growth in African countries participating. That's a powerful sign of unity and ambition.' She stressed the shift toward immersive travel experiences, noting that global tourists now seek culture, adventure, and authenticity. We are rewriting Africa's story through tourism. From township tours to astral tourism in the Northern Cape, we're highlighting experiences that go beyond the typical safari. Thembisile Sehloho Finding joy in South Africa At the core of this year's campaign is one word: Joy. 'We want travellers to find joy, real, childlike joy, in our landscapes, people, food, and culture,' Sehloho said. 'South Africa offers five-star experiences and warm, welcoming people. It's time the world discovered that for themselves.'
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
G20 tourism meeting opens Durban's week of African tourism focus
South Africa hosted the opening of the 2nd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting in Durban, marking a significant moment as the nation takes its place as the only African member of the G20. Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, addressed delegates, emphasising the nation's commitment to driving global tourism discussions with a focus on "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability." Source: Supplied The high-level meeting took place on Sunday, 11 May 2025, with the highly anticipated Africa's Travel Indaba set to begin on Tuesday, 13 May and run until Thursday, 15 May. "South Africa is proud to host the G20 for the first time on African soil. It's a defining time for South Africa and the rest of the African continent," stated Minister de Lille. She highlighted the G20's global influence, representing 85% of the world's economy, 75% of international trade, and 67% of the global population. The Minister underscored South Africa's dedication to aligning G20 efforts with the African Union's Agenda 2063, ensuring that the voices of developing nations and the African continent are heard in global governance. "We do not take lightly the responsibility of using this to highlight Africa's development agenda and promote greater equity in global governance," she asserted. This year, South Africa will host over 130 G20-related meetings, providing a platform to showcase the nation's infrastructure, foster business collaboration, create jobs, and stimulate investment. "The G20 summit is more than just an event - it is a statement that Africa is ready to take its rightful place in global economic leadership," de Lille said. Source: Supplied Showcasing African tourism potential The G20 Tourism Working Group meeting is being held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, which will also host Africa's Travel Indaba starting on Tuesday. Minister de Lille emphasised the significance of hosting the G20 delegates in this vibrant city at this crucial time, just before the continent's premier tourism showcase. "It is no accident that you are meeting in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal for the 2nd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting," she noted. This year's Indaba has attracted over 1,300 exhibitors, delegates from 27 African countries, and more than 1,200 vetted international buyers from 55 source markets. Notably, Chad, St Helena, and Burkina Faso are participating for the first time. Minister de Lille revealed the substantial economic impact of the 2024 Africa's Travel Indaba, which generated R226m in direct economic activity in Durban and an additional R333m across the KwaZulu-Natal province. The event also created over 1,000 jobs and provided a platform for 120 tourism Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the Department of Tourism's Market Access Support Programme. "Under the theme, 'Unlimited Africa', G20 delegates attending the 2nd Tourism Working Group Meeting can also look forward to experiencing the energy and opportunities that will be on full display at Africa's Travel Indaba starting on Tuesday, with insightful sessions designed to drive the growth of the African tourism sector forward," she stated. Source: Supplied G20 2nd Working Group meeting outcomes The G20 Tourism Working Group meeting aims to inform the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting in Mpumalanga in September and the Heads of State Summit in Johannesburg in November. The main objectives of the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting are to: • Position tourism as a driver of economic, social and environmental change; • Explore the potential for tourism and travel to support the economic recovery as well as longer-term transformation to a green economy; • Better articulate and communicate the economic and development case for tourism; • Mainstream travel and tourism sector's voice in the global agenda by building a more effective voice for the sector; and • Mobilise a collective effort among Tourism Ministers towards building a sensible tourism policy framework that will help influence country-level and international economic and development policies. South Africa's G20 Tourism Issue Note highlights the key priorities and deliverables for 2025: • Priority 1: People-centred Artificial Intelligence (AI) and innovation to enhance Travel and Tourism Start-ups and MSMEs. The Deliverable is to create an action plan to enhance Travel and Tourism Start-Ups and MSMEs through AI and innovation. • Priority 2: Tourism financing and investment to enhance equality and promote sustainable development. The deliverable is to host a seminar on enhancing partnerships for tourism financing and investment for sustainable development. • Priority 3: Air connectivity for seamless travel. The deliverable is to agree on the G20 Tourism report on air connectivity for seamless travel. • Priority 4: Enhanced resilience for inclusive, sustainable tourism development. The deliverable is an action plan for enhanced resilience for sustainable development. Minister de Lille also acknowledged the crucial support of UN Tourism as a knowledge partner. Delegates will also experience Durban's cultural richness through visits to local sites. "I wish you a productive few days... Be inspired by the warmth of Durban... Come find your joy," Minister de Lille concluded. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Travelers spark rising interest in guest houses and farms
Hotels continue to be the most popular holiday accommodation type, although guest houses and guest farms are catching up with income from the overall sector having exceeded the figure captured just before COVID-19. Hotels continue to be the most popular holiday accommodation type, although guest houses and guest farms are catching up with income from the overall sector having exceeded the figure captured just before Covid-19. This is according to Statistics South Africa's latest print on tourist accommodation, which covers February this year. This data indicates that income from lodgings, on a seasonally adjusted basis, is now at the highest level it has been at since at least January 2020. Between December last year and February 2025, the tourist accommodation sector accounted for R9 billion, with R2.8bn of that amount having been earned in February. Year-on-year, income from accommodation increased by 12.2% in February. This was the result of a 2.4% increase in the number of stay unit nights sold and a 9.5% increase in the average income per stay unit night sold. Over a three-month period (last December to this February) the gain in income was 13.8%. The tourism industry was expected to contribute 8.8% of South Africa's total gross domestic product last year, contributing more to economic growth than transport, mining, and agriculture. Last August, Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille, said that South Africa's tourism sector employed 1.46 million people in 2023, a figure that is projected to grow to 2.23 million jobs in 2030.
