SA Tourism Minister Strengthens Ghana Ties in Strategic Outreach for Growth

Minister de Lille emphasized that Ghana’s performance as a tourism source market has been nothing short of exceptional.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has embarked on a high-level outreach mission to the Republic of Ghana, aimed at cementing strategic tourism partnerships and promoting rich cultural exchanges between the two African nations. The visit, taking place from 26 to 28 March 2025, comes at a pivotal time as both countries continue to reap the benefits of relaxed visa regulations and growing intra-African travel.

As part of the outreach initiative, Minister de Lille is meeting with her Ghanaian counterpart, Abla-Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, to discuss avenues for deepening bilateral tourism cooperation. The programme also includes engagements with the South Africa-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, influential tourism trade stakeholders, key media representatives, and cultural leaders to bolster South Africa’s visibility as a prime destination for both leisure travel and MICE — meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

The outreach forms a critical component of South Africa’s broader tourism recovery and growth strategy, with a specific focus on African markets that have shown strong potential. Minister de Lille emphasized that Ghana’s performance as a tourism source market has been nothing short of exceptional.

“Ghana and the broader African continent are incredibly important markets for South Africa’s tourism sector,” de Lille stated. “This visit reaffirms our dedication to deepening partnerships and unlocking growth opportunities through meaningful collaboration.”

Indeed, Ghana has emerged as a standout performer. Tourist arrivals from Ghana to South Africa surged by an impressive 149.0% in the first part of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Visitor numbers climbed to 36,656, a significant increase largely attributed to the implementation of a visa waiver agreement in November 2023. The waiver allows citizens from both countries to travel visa-free for up to 90 days annually — a move that has removed key barriers to travel, facilitated trade, and supported people-to-people connections.

“This development has created a seamless journey for travellers between our two nations,” de Lille added. “It is enabling a rich exchange of ideas, culture, and business opportunities that benefit both countries.”

The tourism minister also highlighted the consistent efforts by South African Tourism in marketing the country across West Africa as a top-tier destination. These initiatives have helped showcase the country’s diverse offerings, from iconic landscapes and vibrant cities to cultural festivals and business-friendly infrastructure.

The timing of this mission is also symbolically significant. It aligns with South Africa’s role as host of the 2025 G20 Summit — a global platform that places the country firmly on the world stage and underscores its leadership in promoting economic growth, sustainability, and international cooperation. Minister de Lille noted that the summit amplifies South Africa’s commitment to building meaningful partnerships across Africa and beyond.

“We recognise the immense potential of intra-African travel to drive economic development, cultural exchange, and shared prosperity,” de Lille said. “It is for this reason that we are conducting this outreach mission — to strengthen relations and partnerships with our counterparts in Ghana and to harness our collective tourism potential.”

Beyond high-level ministerial talks, the outreach programme includes joint sessions between senior tourism officials from both nations, focusing on bilateral tourism development, skills sharing, policy harmonisation, and increased marketing collaboration. These engagements aim to create a long-term framework for sustainable tourism growth and innovation.

South Africa’s push to deepen African tourism ties also reflects a broader continental trend. As African nations work to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), tourism stands out as a critical pillar for driving inclusive development.

“This is a defining moment for African tourism,” de Lille concluded. “By fostering unity, easing mobility, and sharing the stories of our cultures and histories, we can turn intra-African travel into one of our continent’s greatest economic success stories.”

Minister de Lille’s visit is expected to pave the way for future collaborative projects, including joint tourism campaigns, cultural exchange programmes, and public-private partnerships that benefit both countries' tourism industries and economies.