Travel Trade News

A new generation of youth entrepreneurs is reshaping South Africa’s tourism scene with fresh ideas and unique experiences, from thrilling dune adventures to wellness hikes and cultural escapes. Their innovative work was recently celebrated at the 2025 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brand Awards (YOBAs) in Johannesburg, where four businesses—Twin Venture, Hikeobics, NBGS Travel, and Asambeni Getaway—were shortlisted in the Travel & Tourism category.

South Africa officially opened the doors to its world-class cultural and scientific attraction the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Golden Gate Highlands Park in the Free State Province.

Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has officially welcomed the staging of the first-ever Glamping Expo in Johannesburg, applauding the initiative as a timely and innovative leap forward for South Africa’s tourism landscape.

China is South Africa’s 13th largest overseas source market (and 22nd overall) for tourism in 2024 and the third most lucrative from Asia and Australasia in terms of revenue behind Australia and India, and there remains room for improvement. Recognising this, the South African tourism industry aspires to grow its footprint in this market. "Arrivals in 2025 are at 13,976 for the period since January to April, and although they are improved, they remain below half the 2019 levels. This is why this new fiscal year we’ve [South African Tourism China] increased our investment in the China market for the 2025/26 fiscal year because we see clear growth potential. Success in this space requires deep cultural understanding, a strong digital presence, and tailored experiences that speak to the evolving needs of Chinese travellers. " Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager, Asia, Australasia and Middle East. Chinese tourists bring significant economic benefits, and South African Tourism (SA Tourism) focuses on enhancing their experience, building brand awareness, and ensuring repeat visits.

South Africa unveils one of its most exciting cultural and scientific attractions yet - the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre. This state-of-the-art visitor experience is set in the breathtaking landscapes of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

What if your first ‘grown-up’ adventure wasn’t across the ocean, but in your own beautiful country? What if joy wasn’t something you left to find far away, but something that’s waiting for you in the golden dunes of the Northern Cape, the hip streets of Maboneng, or the lush cliffs of the Wild Coast?

Africa’s inaugural Glamping Expo is set to revolutionise the outdoor tourism and hospitality industry. Taking place from 20-21 June 2025 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec), the pioneering event will bring together innovators, thought leaders and enthusiasts along the glamping value chain.

South African Tourism is proud to announce its double victory at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) for the recognition of its innovative "Live South Africa" campaign localized for a North Europe audience, aimed at attracting travellers from the Netherlands, Belgium and Sweden (North Europe) to experience and “live” South Africa through the eyes of locals. January to April 2025 arrival statistics recorded 80 787 arrivals from North Europe, reflecting a 5.8% increase in travellers from the region compared to the same period in 2024. The Netherlands, responsible for approximately 65% of the hub’s arrivals, has also achieved a 7% increase on 2019 arrivals, and is currently on 107% of 2019 arrivals. Notably, the Netherlands is also one of two international markets that have tourists who visited all nine provinces of South Africa in 2024.The other market being the USA, which was the top overseas market for arrivals in 2024.

The global LGBTQIA+ travel market has evolved into one of the most valuable and fast-growing segments in tourism, fostering not just social inclusion but serious economic opportunity. In 2025 LGBTQ+ travellers are expected to contribute more than USD 333.4 billion in global tourism spend, with projections reaching USD 521.6 billion by 2031, according to recent industry reports (For context, South Africa generated R91.6 billion (USD 5 billion) from international visitors and a further R136.4 billion (USD 7.5 billion) from domestic tourists in 2024). This growing cohort is reshaping travel trends, demanding inclusive experiences, and rewarding destinations that treat them with dignity and visibility.

The Minister of Tourism notes the recent update by the United States Department of State to its travel advisory for South Africa. We respect the sovereign right of all nations to provide guidance to their citizens travelling abroad. We also acknowledge the recent meeting between Presidents Ramaphosa and Trump and the subsequent media coverage that has followed.

South African Tourism, through the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB), proudly announces its participation at IMEX Frankfurt 2025, the premier global trade show for the business events industry. South Africa arrives in Frankfurt not only as a destination of choice for meetings and conferences but also as Africa’s top performer in the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2024 rankings. IMEX Frankfurt is set to take place from 20 to 22 May in Frankfurt, Germany.

The South African Tourism Board is deeply saddened by the passing of Ms. Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and her colleagues across government and Parliament.