Latest news with #SouthAfricanTourism
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Pride Month: Unlocking South Africa's potential as a leading LGBTQIA+ travel destination
South Africa's LGBTQIA+ community parading during Cape Town Pride. The Mother City is known as a gay-friendly destination. The evolving landscape of LGBTQIA+ tourism is not only a beacon for social inclusion but also a significant economic prospect, with forecasts estimating that LGBTQ+ travellers will contribute over USD 521.6 billion to the global tourism industry by 2031. As global LGBTQIA+ travel continues to burgeon, South Africa stands on the threshold of a remarkable opportunity, poised to be a frontrunner in this lucrative market. The month of June marks the start of Pride Month worldwide. Currently, South Africa captures a mere 1.5% of the global LGBTQIA+ travel market, despite being the leading nation in the Middle East and Africa region in respect of travel. According to South African Tourism, the necessity for a strategic pivot in how the country approaches LGBTQIA+ tourism is paramount if it is to grasp this emerging market. "Key players in the tourism sector must actively build upon the foundations of inclusivity to enhance South Africa's appeal to queer travellers," said the entity. Darryl Erasmus, COO of South African Tourism, asserts that those within the LGBTQIA+ community look for destinations that guarantee equal, unrestricted access to experiences without a shadow of discrimination. Speaking passionately about the importance of reputation, Erasmus stresses the need for a thorough understanding of LGBTQ+ culture among tourism operators and hospitality staff, ensuring visitors feel welcomed and seen during their travels. Competition for a stake in the LGBTQ+ travel market In comparison to destinations like Spain, Canada, and Thailand, which lead the global market with vibrant LGBTQIA+ scenes and well-established Pride events, South Africa's significant strengths need to be leveraged. While cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Toronto boast a rich tapestry of queer-friendly offerings, South Africa is equally rich in cultural diversity and natural beauty. From adventure activities to film festivals that celebrate queerness, the country offers a manifold of experiences waiting to be showcased. With Cape Town winning the bid to host WorldPride 2028, the city is becoming not only a symbol of inclusivity in South Africa but also a beacon of hope for the entire African continent. This achievement marks a pivotal milestone for the LGBTQIA+ community and provides an excellent platform on which to build further connections within both local and international markets. What LGBTQIA+ travellers seek SAT highlights that in order to unlock South Africa's potential in the LGBTQIA+ travel market, deliberate efforts are needed to integrate inclusivity into every touchpoint of the travel experience. Part of this includes promoting LGBTQIA+-friendly packages, creating safe spaces, and celebrating the diversity of travellers by offering unique experiences that resonate with their interests. "Whether it is wellness retreats on the coast, thrilling safari adventures, or vibrant cultural festivals, South Africa is well-defined by its rich offerings," said the entity. Moreover, partnerships with local LGBTQIA+ tour operators and community organisations could magnify South Africa's efforts. With a collaborative approach, the tourism sector could invest in storytelling that highlights not just the natural splendour of the country but also the rich and inclusive tapestry of its people and culture. The road forward: inclusion as a strategy Nombulelo Guliwe, CEO of South African Tourism, underscores the importance of honouring South Africa's commitment to diversity and inclusion. She emphasises that inclusivity in tourism is far from a mere checkbox; it is a strategic necessity. Building a welcoming environment means actively training hospitality staff in sensitivity towards LGBTQIA+ issues and promoting businesses that stand in solidarity with the queer community. However, awareness and visibility of South Africa's diverse offerings must also occupy a central role. Destinations like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban are gaining traction; still, they need a global spotlight to be part of the conversation when it comes to the most LGBTQIA+-friendly cities worldwide. National tourism stakeholders are thus urged to join LGBTQIA+ travel networks, promote inclusive packages, and develop messaging that speaks authentically to this valuable community. A new era of possibilities "The future of South Africa as a premier LGBTQIA+ destination hinges on its ability to advocate for inclusivity, safety, and authentic representation. It is an exciting prospect as the country stands ready to guide the African continent in becoming a welcoming haven for all travellers, irrespective of their identity," notes Guliwe. With a commitment to fostering a culture of acceptance and celebration, South Africa is not just a destination but a vibrant community eager to embrace the diversity of those who seek to explore its stunning landscapes. As global LGBTQIA+ travel surges, South Africa has the potential to rise as a beacon of inclusivity and adventure. With deliberate efforts towards understanding and enhancing the travel experience for queer visitors, the country can confidently claim its place on the global stage, welcoming travellers with open arms and fearless hearts.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South African Tourism celebrates economic Impact of Africa's Travel Indaba 2025
SA Tourism said that the projected economic benefits spurred by Africa's Travel Indaba 2025, from event infrastructure and logistics to accommodation, restaurants, and local transport services, have been significant. Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers South African Tourism hails Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 held in Durban last week as a huge economic boost. SA Tourism said that the projected economic benefits spurred by Africa's Travel Indaba 2025, from event infrastructure and logistics to accommodation, restaurants, and local transport services, have been significant. 'The direct economic impact of Africa's Travel Indaba on Durban's GDP is estimated at R574-million, with direct spending totalling more than R232-million, highlighting the substantial economic benefits.' SA Tourism added that the event created over 2,000 jobs, particularly for the youth and local communities, with an anticipated household income contribution exceeding R140 million. 'Current figures (still to be audited) indicate that Africa's Travel Indaba 2025, themed 'Unlimited Africa', hosted more than 9,990 attendees, marking an impressive 7.7% increase compared to 9,280 delegates that attended in 2024, with over 24,500 quality meetings held.' SA Tourism said that 1,348 exhibitors and 1,037 buyers attended the event, with both exhibitor and international buyer numbers being the highest recorded in the past four years. 'A total of 27 African countries participated, including new entrants from Chad, St Helena, and Burkina Faso. Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 was officially opened by His Excellency Paul Mashatile, South Africa's Deputy President, and the Honourable Patricia de Lille, South Africa's Minister of Tourism.' SA Tourism said that Thembisile Sehloho, Chief Marketing Officer of South African Tourism, together with Sibusiso Gumbi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film Authority; Winile Mntungwa, Deputy Head of Durban Tourism; and Sandile Makhanya, Acting Marketing & Communications Executive of Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), addressed the media at the wrap-up of Africa Travel Indaba 2025 on 15 May. Sehloho said that they are exceptionally proud to have once again delivered the premier showcase of the African continent's diverse tourism products and experiences. 'This year, we cemented Africa's Travel Indaba's position as a proudly Pan African event with a notable increase in the number of African countries participating. This success is a direct result of powerful collaboration with all our partners. The significant enthusiasm and business conducted reflect the robust growth and immense potential of the African tourism sector under the banner of 'Unlimited Africa.'' Gumbi said that he welcomed the enduring partnership between South African Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film Authority, the City of Durban, and the Durban ICC. 'I am pleased to say that KwaZulu-Natal has successfully hosted Africa's Travel Indaba again, achieving a record number of delegates, international buyers, and airlines this year. As Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and Film Authority, we supported 26 emerging tourism businesses who exhibited at our stand and had the opportunity to network with buyers from across Africa.' Gumbi added that the authority signed key Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with eSwatini Tourism and Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area Joint Marketing Agreement. 'This is part of the organisation's programmes to grow the Africa market for KwaZulu-Natal. They also had key engagements with several strategic partners such as Club Med and some airlines that will help grow their footprint globally.' Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, reiterated the ambitious targets of the Department's five-year Tourism Growth Partnership Plan. 'These include growing total tourism employment from approximately 1.84 million jobs in 2024 to 2.5 million jobs, increasing domestic spend by 25%, growing tourism's GDP contribution from 8.8% in 2024 to10%, and welcoming an extra million international air arrivals annually.' Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his opening address of Africa Travel Indaba, highlighted the 'Unlimited Africa' theme as a bold declaration of Africa's promise. 'Travel and tourism contributed 6.8% to Africa's GDP in 2023, with projections indicating a rise to 10.4% by 2030, and for South Africa, tourism currently contributes 8.9% to GDP, supporting 1.68 million jobs, with an ambitious target to grow this to 2.2 million jobs by 2030.' BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
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. (
The Star
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Roundup: African countries eye Chinese tourist boom to drive travel industry revival
JOHANNESBURG, May 16 (Xinhua) -- African countries are looking to attract more Chinese tourists as part of broader efforts to revive and grow the continent's travel industry, delegates said at one of the continent's largest tourism trade shows. At Africa's Travel Indaba 2025, held from Tuesday to Thursday in Durban, South Africa, Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister of Tourism Tongai Mnangagwa said the country has a "Look East" policy and is leveraging its long-standing ties with China to boost tourist arrivals from the Asian country for business, medical, and leisure purposes. "The Chinese market is growing and the fact that they have over one billion people makes them our target source market, with a certain age group interested in traveling. Inquiries are being made about Zimbabwe and they are coming," he said. He said a group from China's Hunan Province has confirmed plans to visit Zimbabwe, noting that the presence of Chinese businesspeople in Zimbabwe is drawing their friends and relatives, further reinforcing inbound travel. "We are working with organizations which are based in Zimbabwe and owned by the Chinese nationals who are bringing Chinese tourists in groups from different provinces. All these people, when they go back, will be our billboards or ambassadors telling others about our country," he said. South African officials echoed similar sentiments. Thembisile Sehloho, chief marketing officer at South African Tourism, said that targeted efforts like the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, which simplifies visa processing for Chinese and Indian nationals, are helping boost arrivals. "I can confirm that there was some significant increase in Chinese and their buyers coming through, which aligns with our strategy of growing arrivals from India and China," Sehloho said. "The buyers from China were interested in cultural immersion and we spoke a lot about cultural and leisure tourism. Cultural tourism will get us volumes and leisure tourism will get us value. We will use the two to sell our country." Namibia is also ramping up its engagement with China. Sebulon Chiliho Chicalu, chief executive officer of the Namibia Tourism Board, said the country will soon launch a dedicated China strategy and increase its representation in China to four locations. "China, as a source market, remains one of our targets and we would like to attract many Chinese to visit our country. China and Namibia do a lot of business together and we would like to capitalize on that. We will hold roadshows in three cities of China to market Destination Namibia," Chicalu said. Tourism leaders stressed the scale of the opportunity. Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, chief executive officer of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, said China remains the "largest outbound tourism market in the world," and African destinations must position themselves to benefit. "We saw a large delegation from India and China at Africa's Travel Indaba. That is positive. We have been working on that for a long time," he said. "We need to have large footprints on those two markets. The buyers from India and China were looking for products, services, and experiences we offer." "South Africa and Africa have to make a value proposition to the Chinese and Indian market. It presents a huge opportunity and we have to take advantage of it," he added.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Unlocking Africa: Zambia's Tourism Minister advocates for collaborative travel solutions
South Africa's Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, Zambia's Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba and South Africa's Deputy President Paul Mashatile at ATI2025. Image: Supplied Africa's Travel Indaba, the continent's premier leisure trade show, recently unfolded in the bustling city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, as a vital platform designed by South African Tourism in collaboration with various local and national agencies. This year's event reiterated its role as a gateway for African tourism products, creating invaluable market access for exhibitors to connect with both international and local buyers in an increasingly competitive landscape. During a Tourism Ministers Round Table conversation, Minister of Tourism for Zambia, Rodney Sikumba, addressed attendees, highlighting the need for cohesion among African nations within the tourism sector. "As African tourism ministers, we have a singular resolve to work as a team," said Sikumba. "The days of competition are gone; we must support one another and showcase what makes us unique. Our cultures, our gastronomy, our dress - these are the assets that set us apart as a continent." Zambia has recently expanded its visa-free access from 42 to 167 countries, showcasing the government's commitment to enhancing tourism and encouraging travel within Africa. Sikumba stressed the significance of "opening the skies" to enable seamless travel across the continent, proposing collaboration around existing flight hubs such as OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ When asked about the significance of events like Africa's Travel Indaba, Sikumba stated, "They're important because they show solidarity to our African brothers and sisters in South Africa and create a unified front to exhibit Zambia's unique offerings." He emphasised the importance of marketing Africa to its own people first before reaching out globally, saying, "charity begins at home." With 41 tourism operators representing Zambia at this year's Indaba, the minister aimed for visibility and knowledge-sharing, asserting that through observation and engagement, tourism operators can adapt best practices from other nations. Looking at the past year in travel, Sikumba noted that an influx of over 2 million visitors came to Zambia, with a significant proportion hailing from South Africa alongside key markets in the United States and the United Kingdom. Yet, he expressed a desire to attract more African travellers to Zambia, urging a concerted effort to promote the continent's natural beauty and cultural experiences. Zambia is renowned for its nature-based tourism, from wildlife encounters to cultural celebrations. Sikumba remarked, 'Anytime is a good time to visit Zambia," promoting the variety of travel experiences, including breathtaking safaris and traditional ceremonies. He noted the importance of curating personalised travel packages that allow visitors to explore the country's ten provinces. Addressing travel costs, Sikumba acknowledged that tourism often has the reputation of being expensive. However, he highlighted Zambia's participation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which enables the use of SADC rates in the tourism sector. "We do have SADC rates in tourism," he assured, stressing ongoing initiatives to ensure that more services embrace these rates, ultimately making the continent more accessible to its residents. As Africa strives to unite for a robust tourism sector, Africa's Travel Indaba represents more than just an annual event; it symbolises the shared aspirations of a continent rich in culture and natural beauty. With leaders like Sikumba at the forefront, the vision for a collaborative future in tourism is clearer than ever.
