SA Aims to Boost Tourism Arrivals by 15 Million by 2030: Patricia de Lille

The Minister praised the sector’s recovery efforts post-COVID-19 but emphasized the need for continued improvement.

The South African Department of Tourism is setting ambitious goals to significantly enhance the country's tourism sector, with a target to increase international arrivals to 15 million by 2030. Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille announced this strategic objective on Tuesday, emphasizing its alignment with the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Government of National Unity (GNU) priorities.

Addressing the media, De Lille highlighted the central role of inclusive economic growth in the GNU's agenda. She revealed that the Department of Tourism is finalizing a five-year plan that will integrate the GNU priorities, the Tourism Sector Master Plan, and the National Tourism Sector Strategy.

“This is an opportunity to design the future of tourism for the next five to ten years. It’s not going to be business as usual,” De Lille asserted. She stressed the need for urgency in implementing these plans, which will involve collaboration with the private sector across the entire tourism value chain.

The Minister praised the sector’s recovery efforts post-COVID-19 but emphasized the need for continued improvement. She acknowledged the contributions of those working in tourism and thanked them for their ongoing efforts.

In alignment with GNU priorities, De Lille's department plans to increase job creation in tourism by enhancing support for private sector initiatives. The GNU’s top priorities include driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and the cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

To support these goals, the Department of Tourism will collaborate with Operation Vulindlela in the Presidency and other key departments, including Home Affairs, Transport, and Sport, Arts and Culture. Efforts will focus on improving the visa regime, expanding direct flight options, streamlining tour operator licensing, and investing in infrastructure and tourism sites that showcase South Africa’s diverse culture and heritage.

De Lille also highlighted plans to leverage technology, including AI, to enhance tourism offerings and build a capable state that meets the needs of modern tourism.

Tourism’s significance to the South African economy was underscored by De Lille, who described it as a multi-billion Rand sector with considerable growth potential. She celebrated South Africa’s reputation as a diverse and award-winning destination, with accolades for its cities, airports, and tourism establishments.

Nombulelo Guliwe, CEO of SA Tourism, expressed optimism about the impact of the next five years’ work, highlighting the anticipated positive growth and the need to emphasize inclusive growth.

Thato Mothopeng from The South African Township and Village Tourism Association (SATOVITO) echoed the call for sector growth to create more job opportunities.

With these strategic plans and collaborative efforts, South Africa aims to capitalize on its tourism potential, drive economic development, and enhance its global standing as a premier travel destination.