Latest news with #PatriciadeLille
IOL News
6 days ago
- IOL News
Patricia de Lille claps back: 'SA's not that scary, America!'
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has reassured America that SA is safe. Image: Department of Tourism Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has responded to the recent update issued by the United States Department of State regarding its travel advisory for South Africa. While recognising the sovereign right of nations to provide travel guidance for their citizens, the Minister emphasised South Africa's commitment to the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all visitors to its shores. In light of the recent discussions between President Cyril Ramaphosa and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, and the wave of media coverage that followed, the Minister reiterated that South Africa is a premier travel destination known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural diversity, and the acclaimed warmth of its people. 'While challenges such as crime exist—as they do across the globe—the overwhelming majority of international visitors experience safe travel in South Africa and leave with enriching memories,' de Lille said. Indeed, in 2024, the number of arrivals from the US rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, surpassing even the United Kingdom to become South Africa's largest source market for international visitors. In the first four months of 2025, 111,491 visitors arrived from the USA alone, a clear testament to the enduring appeal and confidence in South Africa as a travel destination. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Recognising traveller concerns, de Lille encouraged visitors to maintain the level of vigilance and awareness customary when travelling abroad. Furthermore, the government is dedicated to actively addressing safety through coordinated efforts between law enforcement, the tourism sector, and local communities. Regular security enhancements, including a heightened presence of trained Tourism Monitors in key tourism nodes and ongoing safety assessments, contribute to a secure travel environment. 'Ensuring visitor safety remains a national priority. We are collaborating with various sectors including government officials and stakeholders in tourism to implement proactive safety measures and ensure rapid incident responses,' the Minister clarified. As the tourism industry continues to bounce back, the Minister called upon media outlets and global government agencies to present a balanced view of South Africa, distinguishing between isolated incidents and the overall positive experiences reported by millions of safe travellers. 'We are in close communication with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and want to reassure all potential travellers: South Africa is open and welcoming. We are devoted to providing every visitor with a safe and pleasurable journey,' de Lille said. IOL
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How 'violence' narratives threaten South Africa's tourism industry
South Africa's tourism sector must combat negative perceptions to thrive amid violence narratives Image: Instagram. Tourism experts have warned that South Africa's hospitality and business sectors must move away from a mindset of underselling their brand to the world, especially in light of recent comments at the White House claiming the country is a 'violent nation.' Last week, the world watched as President Cyril Ramaphosa's delegation to the Oval Office sought to counter narratives suggesting genocide in South Africa. During the meeting, delegation members took turns explaining the country's ongoing violence, a move that some believed complicated Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille's efforts to attract more visitors and boost the nation's economy. The meeting followed controversial allegations by then-President Donald Trump, who linked South Africa to 'genocide' and made a decision to offer refugee status to minority Afrikaners, claiming they faced persecution. Some experts and organisations, including the MK party and the EFF, have said these statements have contributed to the negative perception of South Africa internationally. In response to questions from IOL about the potential impact of these comments on tourism, the Department of Tourism declined to comment directly. De Lille's spokesperson, Tasneem Carrim, stated that only the department's marketing unit would respond, but despite numerous attempts by IOL, no response was received. Professor Christopher Isike of the University of Pretoria pointed out the missed opportunity to clarify key issues. 'There was a chance to state clearly that there's no evidence linking political land reform or social unrest to violence or genocide,' he said. Addressing concerns about false narratives affecting South Africa's global image, Michael Delaney, General Manager of Radisson RED Johannesburg-Rosebank, cautioned against narratives seeking to make South Africa look bad and argued the importance of highlighting the country's positive attributes. 'Many of the misconceptions can be countered by showcasing the friendliness of its people, natural beauty, and cultural diversity,' he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He also stressed the need to reassure visitors that robust safety measures are in place. In what appeared to be a response to the images of white people being targeted in South Africa during the Oval meeting, Delaney expressed grave concern. 'he hospitality sector has expressed concern over the increasing use of AI-generated images and out-of-context, outdated photographs that portray South Africa as a land plagued with insurmountable problems. 'These misleading portrayals could damage the country's tourism industry. Delaney noted that most international visitors' perceptions of South Africa tend to improve significantly once they arrive. 'They often find the country welcoming and beautiful,' he explained. Having traveled extensively for work, he observed that people overseas are keen to experience South Africa firsthand. Furthermore, he said that many hotels host guests from the United States, Asia, Europe, and Africa, including airline crews and delegations, ensuring their safety is in the industry's best interest. 'Travelers can be great ambassadors for South Africa because they move around the world and share their experiences.' Delaney also encouraged the amplifying messaging around tourist safety in overseas markets.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Africa Month highlights tourism potential as South Africa welcomes record visitors
This sentiment was echoed by SA's Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille , during her welcome address at the Africa Travel Indaba held in Durban. As South Africa celebrates Africa Month , the continent's vast potential for growth and opportunity has come to the forefront, particularly in the realm of tourism. De Lille underscored the significance of the event, noting that the strong attendance of delegates from across the continent signifies Africa's readiness to lead, innovate, and inspire within the global tourism landscape. According to a recent report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the African tourism sector witnessed a dramatic recovery in 2024, achieving a remarkable 96% recovery rate to levels observed in 2019. This resurgence has positioned Africa among the fastest-growing regional tourism destinations worldwide, an encouraging sign for countries like SA, which is actively looking to leverage this momentum. SA's tourism sector has shown impressive growth, with Minister De Lille revealing that the country welcomed 8.9 million tourists in 2024, generating a direct spending contribution of R91.6 billion and supporting an estimated 1.6 million jobs. Furthermore, the first quarter of 2025 continued this upward trajectory, with close to 2.6 million tourists arriving, reflecting a 5.7% growth compared to the previous year. 'Seventy-five per cent of South Africa's international arrivals come from the rest of Africa,' De Lille highlighted, emphasising the critical role that regional tourism plays in the nation's economy. She further stressed that tourism is not merely a facet of SA's economic framework but serves as a vital catalyst for creating jobs and fostering independent livelihoods, particularly in areas where opportunities are scarce. Looking towards the future, the minister outlined key aspirations for the tourism sector. 'The tourism economy of tomorrow is African. It is diverse, youthful, digital, and green,' she articulated, adding that there is still much work to be done to achieve higher growth rates. To this end, the Department of Tourism is in the process of finalising a five-year Tourism Growth Partnership Plan. The ambitious goals set forth include: Growing total employment in tourism from approximately 1,840,000 in 2024 to 2,500,000 jobs. Increasing domestic spend by 25%. Raising the GDP contribution of tourism from approximately 8.8% to 10%. Welcoming an additional one million international air arrivals annually, aiming for a 35% increase from 2.8 million in 2024 to 3.8 million and beyond. De Lille assured stakeholders that this goal is achievable through collaboration and hard work, stating, 'This is not a difficult ask if we all work together. Anything is possible if we work hard.'
The South African
11-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
South Africa's G20 Presidency: Africa is ready
South Africa will host the G20 Financial Inclusion and Women Empowerment Conference 2025 at Sun City from 6 to 9 May. Image: SA Govt News website South Africa's Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) is a 'defining moment' not only for the country, but for the entire African continent. This is according to Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, who was delivering remarks during the opening of the second G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting held in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday. 'South Africa's very proud to host the G20 for the first time on African soil. It's a defining moment for South Africa and for the rest of the continent because the G20 nations represent 85% of the globally economy, 75% of international trade and 67% of the world's population. 'In partnership with the African Union, we will provide a vital voice in global discussions, especially concerning issues affecting developing nations on the continent. Now, we do not take this responsibility lightly because we need to highlight Africa's developmental agenda and promote equity in global governance,' she said. Master plan for transforming the continent De Lille highlighted that South Africa's theme for its Presidency – Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability – is aligned with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which is Africa's blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into the global powerhouse of the future. 'South Africa's G20 Presidency highlights our commitment to tourism, innovation, investment and also enhancing air connectivity and developing inclusive and sustainable tourism practises. 'So far and for the rest of the year, we will be hosting more than 130 G20 related meetings across our country, providing unparalleled opportunities to showcase our country, our venues, our facilities, [and the] business collaboration because all of this in the end contributes to job creation and also driving investment. 'This G20 Summit, to us, is more than just an event. It is a statement… that Africa is ready to take its rightful place in the global economic leadership. It also demonstrates our proven ability to host safe, world-class events on this scale in our country,' the Minister said. Tourism Working Group The Minister reminded meeting delegates of the key deliverables for the working group during their deliberations. These include: People-centered artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation to enhance travel and tourism start-ups and SMMEs; Tourism financing and investment to enhance equality and promote sustainable development; Air connectivity for seamless travel, and Enhanced resilience for inclusive and sustainable tourism development. 'The Tourism Working Group also serves as a forum for the grow and development of sustainable tourism by promoting dialogue, and exchange of knowledge and best practice amongst the G20 members. Let us learn from each other. 'There's not always a need to reinvent the wheel. Let us look at the tried and tested methods, solutions and experience that we find amongst the G20 Member States because sometimes we tend to do things, starting anew. Let us learn from those best practices. 'And so, as the G20 Tourism Working Group, we must deliver on an action plan. I really look forward to your in-depth discussions for the work of the G20 to reach consensus on what needs to be done and what we need to achieve,' she said. In September this year, South Africa will host the G20 Ministers' Meeting. De Lille said one of the main objectives of the meeting will be to discuss how to position tourism as a driver of economic, social and environmental change. Economic recovery '[The meeting will also] explore the potential for tourism and travel to support the economic recovery of many countries as well as long-term transformation to a green economy. 'We must also better articulate and communicate the economic and developmental case for tourism, and [lift] the mainstream travel and tourism sector voice in the global agenda by building a more effective voice for the sector. 'We must also mobilise a collective effort amongst us to build a sensible tourism policy framework that will help influence country level and international, economic and development policies,' she said. The Minister urged the delegates to come up with solutions that will propel the sector. 'When we meet again later in September, I really want us to not only say that this is the first time that we are hosting the G20 on African soil. I want us also to say and acknowledge that having had the event here, that we were able to come up with solutions that are moving the tourism sector forward,' De Lille said. Were you aware that South Africa will host this year's G20 Summit in November? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
11-05-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
De Lille says SA G20 presidency must use tourism to develop economies
CAPE TOWN - Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said South Africa's G20 presidency must use tourism to develop economies and as a driver for social and environmental change. The G20's Tourism Working Group is holding its second meeting in Durban on Sunday, coinciding with Monday's start of the Africa Travel Indaba. Addressing delegates at the opening of the G20 meeting, De Lille said South Africa was committed to working with the United Nations (UN) as a knowledge partner to grow tourism on the continent. Sunday's G20 tourism meeting serves as a precursor to the biggest showcase of African tourism, with at least 27 African countries and 1,300 exhibitors expected to be part of this week's Indaba. De Lille said the G20 Tourism Working Group also serves as a forum for the growth and development of sustainable tourism by promoting dialogue and the exchange of best practice. 'There's not always the need to reinvent the wheel. Let us look at the tried and tested methods, solutions and experience that we find amongst the G20 member states.' De Lille said the tourism sector must better articulate and communicate the economic and development case for tourism. 'The US is the chairperson for 2026, to continue to further look at action plans and deliverables for the tourism sector.' However, seats designated at the table for US representatives were empty during De Lille's address.
