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Travel Weekly
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Travel Weekly
Trump's contentious meeting with South African president sparks tourism concerns
Dorine Reinstein Political soundbites from President Trump during his White House meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa have reignited safety fears around South Africa and has put the tourism industry on edge. With Trump's references to "white genocide" during that tense Oval Office meeting, local tourism operators are bracing for potential ripple effects on inbound tourism from America. "Travelers don't wake up hell-bent on visiting South Africa. They can go anywhere in the world," said David Frost, CEO of Satsa, South Africa's inbound tourism association. "But if they start hearing inflammatory things -- like Johannesburg being a murder capital -- they rule us out." Tourism officials say the reality is that while crime does exist in South Africa, it is concentrated in a small number of urban areas, away from tourism hot spots. Claims like white genocide also remain unsupported by data. Between April and December 2024 there were 19,696 murders reported nationally; only 34 involved farms, and just seven victims were farmers. Following the Oval Office meeting, minister Senzo Mchunu issued a statement saying: "We have respect for the USA as a country, we have respect for the people in that country and for President Trump, but we have no respect for this genocide story -- at all. It is totally unfounded and unsubstantiated." Terry Murphy from African Budget Safaris said that most clients understand the reality in South Africa. "Most clients who travel to South Africa are aware that there are issues with crime," he said. "But we always go above and beyond in terms of educating our clients on how to conduct themselves in terms of awareness of their environment when they are here, especially in the bigger cities when they are not on Tour or Safari with us. Our U.S. clients spend most of their time in the national or private parks under the guidance of seasoned guides." Perceived safety risks have always been part of selling Africa, said Craig van Rooyen, director at Tour D'Afrique. Despite a recent rise in quote requests, he notes that "when USA citizens get worried about the news, they tend to hold off on booking." "Every day seems to bring new developments and news from Trump, and the Oval Office meeting might soon be forgotten," van Rooyen added. "Only time will tell if our current requests will be confirmed or if clients will decide to postpone their plans to another period," van Rooyen added. From the U.S. market perspective, Jim Holden, president of Holden Safaris, said he believes any fallout will be limited. Although there will be some cancellations and postponements, "It won't be like Covid," Holden said. His advice to the South African trade is to show goodwill: "Being ready and willing to delay safaris at crisis time creates so much goodwill." But are Americans welcome? Holden also flags an emotional undercurrent that is currently determining American travel behavior abroad: "Americans think the world now hates all Americans," he said, and even had one client cancel over fears they'd be spat at or met with hostility in South Africa. Murphy has heard similar concerns but emphasizes that U.S. tourists are welcomed warmly in South Africa: "The only concern is this unfounded perception that if South Africans hear someone is from the USA, they wouldn't be warmly welcomed, but that's not the case all," Murphy said. He said he believes most South Africans see through what he calls political showboating: "I firmly believe the USA will continue to be a great source market. … Judging by our bookings, traveler numbers will keep growing." Yet it's not just immediate reactions that worry operators, it's how long negative perceptions stick around. "The real risk lies in narrative lag," said Don Scott, owner of Tanda Tula Lodge. "For the tourism industry, especially at the luxury and conservation-oriented end, trust and perception are everything. We'll need to be proactive in communicating the realities on the ground: that travel here remains as safe, enriching and life-changing as ever; that our conservation and community models are robust and apolitical; and that South Africa's natural beauty and hospitality continue to shine through despite the noise." The country has invested heavily in proactive visitor safety efforts, including the national Tourism Safety Helpline, enhanced security visibility around tourist hotspots and the Secura Traveller App for 24/7 emergency assistance. "South Africa isn't perfect. Like every country, we face challenges. But what we don't have is a crisis that justifies global panic or distorted narratives," Satsa's Frost said. "What we do have is millions of tourists arriving safely every year, and leaving with stories that have nothing to do with fear and everything to do with awe." He urged responsible engagement when discussing complex issues that affect tourism. "This sector employs hundreds of thousands. It puts food on tables from Soweto guesthouses right through to safari camps in Limpopo. And in South Africa, one tourism job typically supports up to seven people, meaning a single traveller's decision has a ripple effect across entire households," Frost said. "If you want honest answers about what travel here looks like today, ask someone who's actually been, or better yet, come and see for yourself."
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
SA tourism industry pushes back on safety amidst crime narrative from Trump admin
President Cyril Ramaphosa meeting US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington D.C. for a working visit provided an opportunity for the two leaders to deliberate on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, including trade and investment. Image: GCIS The South African tourism industry has come into defense of the country's safety and hospitality levels amidst an ongoing narrative about crime in Africa's most-developed economy. This comes as a group of 59 Afrikaners recently migrated to the United States after taking up the offer of a refugee status as the US government falsely believes there is an ongoing 'genocide' against them in South Africa. Recent headlines sparked by a widely publicised exchange between US President Donald Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa have reignited international focus on crime in South Africa. During the meeting, Trump repeatedly claimed that genocide against white farmers is taking place in South Africa, an allegation denied by Ramaphosa. 'We have many people that feel they're being persecuted, and they're coming to the United States,' said Trump. 'People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety. Their land is being confiscated, and in many cases, they're being killed.' The latest crime statistics in South Africa show that nearly 10 000 people were murdered between October and December 2024. Of these, a dozen were killed in farm attacks and of the 12, one was a farmer, while five were farm dwellers and four were employees, who are likely to have been black. The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (Satsa) on Thursday said much of the coverage of these issues has leaned toward sensationalism, lacking the nuance needed to understand the real experience of travellers to the country. Satsa CEO David Frost said while crime was a concern and continued to be addressed by government and civil society, incidents involving international visitors remained extremely rare. 'South Africa isn't perfect. Like every country, we face challenges. But what we don't have is a crisis that justifies global panic or distorted narratives,' Frost said. 'What we do have is millions of tourists arriving safely every year, and leaving with stories that have nothing to do with fear and everything to do with awe. 'We don't pretend crime doesn't exist. But context matters. The suggestion that tourists are at significant risk is dangerous misinformation that serves political agendas rather than public interest.' South Africa has been in the crosshairs with the Trump administration since it passed the Land Expropriation Act, while issues of undermining the US foreign policy have been resurfaced by the country taking Israel to the International Court of Justice over the genocide in Palestine. Ramaphosa did acknowledge that there was "criminality in our country... people who do get killed through criminal activity are not only white people, the majority of them are black people". He said that he hoped Trump would listen to the voices of South Africans on this issue of the perceived genocide against white Afrikaners. Ramaphosa pointed out the white members of his delegation, including retired golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, and South Africa's richest man, Johann Rupert.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa's tourism sector unites to address safety concerns during Ramaphosa-Trump talks
President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump during talks at the White House. The tides of misinformation swirling around South Africa's safety have been met with an unwavering wave of support from the nation's tourism bodies, rallying behind President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation following recent discussions at the White House with President Donald Trump. This diplomatic dialogue, aimed at mending the strain in South Africa-US relations, revolved significantly around perceptions of violence and crime in the country, particularly the contentious narrative of an alleged ongoing white genocide. At the heart of this discourse was South African billionaire Johann Rupert, who, during the conversation with Trump, candidly spoke about crime levels, saying: 'The crime is terrible, sir, but Mr Steenhuisen won't admit to it; he runs the Western Cape where I live. The highest murder rate is in the Cape Flats.' Rupert's comments cast a spotlight on the complexities of crime in South Africa, setting the stage for broader reflections from the tourism industry. The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (Satsa) swiftly responded to the dialogue, declaring that much of the media coverage around these issues had leaned toward sensationalism, overshadowing the real experiences of travellers. 'South Africa isn't perfect. Like every country, we face challenges. But what we don't have is a crisis that justifies global panic or distorted narratives,' said Satsa CEO David Frost. He continued, 'What we do have is millions of tourists arriving safely every year and leaving with stories that have nothing to do with fear and everything to do with awe.' For travellers, incidents of violence remain exceedingly rare, and Frost's assertions are backed by statistical data showing that despite crime concerns, visitor satisfaction levels are notably high across key source markets. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading US arrivals surged to 372 362 in 2024, recovering to 100% of 2019 levels amidst a backdrop of continuous and strong travel demand from North America. To further bolster confidence, major tourism destinations in South Africa continue to operate smoothly, supported by robust public-private safety initiatives. 'We don't pretend crime doesn't exist,' Frost clarified. 'But context matters. The suggestion that tourists are at significant risk is dangerous misinformation that serves political agendas rather than public interest.' Recognising the delicate narrative surrounding safety and tourism, Satsa urged international media outlets and global officials to engage responsibly when discussing intricate issues like land reform and national crime rates. 'This sector employs hundreds of thousands,' emphasised Frost. 'It puts food on tables from Soweto guesthouses right through to safari camps in Limpopo. And in South Africa, one tourism job typically supports up to seven people, meaning a single traveller's decision has a ripple effect across entire households.' The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) echoed these sentiments, reinforcing that the nation's accommodations, restaurants, and hospitality venues consistently provide safe, welcoming environments for both domestic and international guests. 'Our hospitality industry upholds some of the highest service and security standards globally. From boutique guesthouses to international hotel brands, our members implement comprehensive security protocols that allow guests to relax and enjoy South Africa's legendary hospitality with peace of mind,' stated Rosemary Anderson, Fedhasa's National Chairperson. While crime is certainly acknowledged as a national challenge, particularly in the context of global tourism, Anderson highlighted the efforts made by the hospitality industry: 'We've built professionalism into every layer, from concierge desks knowing how to escalate concerns swiftly right through to housekeeping staff trained on guest wellbeing.' As South Africa navigates its complex history en route to a shared future, the collective voices from the tourism sector advocate diligently for a nuanced understanding of the nation's safety realities. They call for personal experience to guide perceptions: 'If you want honest answers about what travel here looks like today,' Frost encouraged, 'ask someone who's actually been, or better yet, come and see for yourself.'
Zawya
11-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa's tourism recovery: Why geographical spread is crucial for future growth?
TRAVEL AND TOURISM Getty Images Comparing 2019 to 2024, we are currently at just under 82% recovery PHOTO As we step into 2025, South Africa's tourism recovery remains uneven. While overall inbound tourism sits at just under 82% of 2019 levels, the distribution of visitors is highly concentrated in just two key regions: Cape Town and the Kruger National Park. Meanwhile, other provinces—despite offering exceptional tourism experiences—continue to struggle. If we are to surpass pre-pandemic numbers and drive sustainable tourism growth, we must ask: How do we expand geographical spread and ensure a more balanced recovery? David Frost, CEO, Satsa Looking at overseas arrivals between 2000 and 2017, we saw steady growth—from 1,394,395 arrivals in 2000 to 2,725,855 in 2017. Since then, international arrivals have declined, followed by the pandemic years. Now, we measure our recovery against 2019, the last pre-pandemic year, although it was not our peak—2017 was. The state of recovery Comparing 2019 to 2024, we are currently at just under 82% recovery. Some source markets have rebounded faster than others—such as the United States (99.64%) and the Netherlands (91.91%)—while key European markets, including the United Kingdom (80.14%), Germany (79%), and France (76.24%), lag. This is concerning, as these markets traditionally contribute a good-value, mid-market segment that drives intrepid travel. Three of our top four source markets for South Africa are at 80% and under. While the national recovery rate sits at 81.79%, certain regions have surged ahead. The greater Cape Town area, hailed as a top global destination, has outperformed expectations thanks to a coordinated effort by stakeholders. Similarly, luxury lodges in the Kruger National Park have exceeded 100% recovery. But if Cape Town and Kruger are thriving, what does this mean for the rest of the country? A tourism imbalance To gain deeper insight, we turn to the data. SATSA has been engaging with leading Destination Management Companies (DMC) groups to assess turnover and bed nights per province as a barometer of geographical spread. The findings are stark. Travel Smart Crew's 2023 data shows that, of their R3.5bn turnover: • 76.4% was spent in the Western Cape (excluding the Garden Route) and the Kruger National Park region. • The Eastern Cape accounted for just 5%. • The Garden Route's share was 4%. • KwaZulu-Natal accounted for a mere 2.7%. • Mpumalanga (outside KNP) sits at a shocking 0.8%. This pattern is corroborated by Tourvest Destination Management, with a similar concentration of tourism spend in the Western Cape and greater Kruger National Park. Meanwhile, New Frontiers provided room-night data shows: • Cape Town and Kruger accounted for 60% of total room nights in 2019, rising to 69% in 2024. • KwaZulu-Natal's share fell from 8% to 5%. • The Eastern Cape declined from 6% to 5%. • Mpumalanga remained stagnant at 2%. Interestingly, data from Royal African Discoveries, who have a strong Indian and South-East Asian market, show a slightly better geographical spread. Western Cape (excluding Garden Route) and KNP lodges accounted for 61% of turnover. However, in terms of bed nights, the Garden Route accounts for 15%, North West 12%, and Gauteng 8.5%. Lessons from competitors How does our overall recovery compare to our East African competitors? In 2023, Kenya had recovered to 105% of its 2019 figures, reaching 134% in 2024. Tanzania saw a similar pattern, with recovery at 119% in 2023 and 142% in 2024. The reality is clear: we are stagnating at around 82% of our 2019 arrivals, and our geographical spread is becoming increasingly skewed. Does this concern us? It should. What needs to change? Everything we have done collectively—both from a public and private sector perspective—has led us here. But if we want to shift this picture, we must ask: What can we do differently? A properly structured partnership between the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and its constituent associations, along with South African Tourism, is a fundamental first step. Many challenges lie beyond the immediate control of SATSA members—safety and security concerns, infrastructure issues, and domestic flight constraints, to name a few. However, the process of selling a holiday to South Africa is a private sector transaction, be it B2B or B2C. Long-haul visitors will naturally gravitate toward iconic destinations—Cape Town, Kruger, and Victoria Falls. We commend Cape Town's success and the efforts behind its positioning as a world-class destination. But what happens when peak season hits and availability in these destinations becomes scarce? This constrains growth and limits our ability to surpass the 2,6-million-arrival mark annually. To truly drive growth, we need to: • Showcase exceptional destinations beyond Cape Town and Kruger—this is not a short-term fix but a long-term investment, starting now! • Better data is also essential. South Africa has high repeater rates—visitors appreciate our affordability, service excellence, and world-class tourism offerings. Are we leveraging this to drive geographical spread? • Strengthen industry collaboration—our ability to find solutions lies in unified action. One key lesson from the pandemic is that when industry leaders collaborate, solutions emerge. Now, we must apply the same energy to driving a more equitable tourism recovery and, indeed, to facilitating growth going forward. Join the conversation Satsa is taking the lead in tackling these issues head-on. To advance this conversation, we invite industry stakeholders to join us for a critical discussion on Thursday, 13 March 2025, from 3.30pm to 5pm, focusing on geographical spread and tourism prosperity in South Africa. Key industry leaders will share their insights on how we can achieve this. The inimitable Natalia Rosa will facilitate a panel discussion with the following industry leaders: - Helen Bolton, head product and sales, New Frontiers - Illana Clayton, CEO, Travel Smart Crew - Suzi Benadie, sales director, Sense of Africa - Johan Groenewald, MD, Royal African Discoveries - Monika Iuel, CMO, Wesgro You can register for the webinar here. Access the data here. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
