Travel Trade News

On 01 October, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille will host South Africa’s Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit (SATIS) in Johannesburg, bringing together global leaders, policy makers, investors and industry stakeholders to drive tourism infrastructure investment and advance a sustainable project pipeline for South Africa’s tourism sector.

Avuxeni (AvuuSheni) Khotsong (GggoTsong) Ndaaa!!! Good Morning It is a pleasure to join you in Limpopo as we mark World Tourism Day 2026. I have just returned from Geneva where I served as the Co-Chair of the inaugural Beyond Tourism Day, convened by Alois Zwinggi, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum.

As a key enabler of market access, South African Tourism (SA Tourism) is excited to partner with the Travel Trade and broader tourism industry in showcasing South Africa at key SA Tourism facilitated platforms in North and Central Europe.

Anyone who has travelled with children knows that a family holiday is judged by a slightly different set of rules. A beautiful view helps, but so does a decent breakfast. A hotel room is wonderful, but space for the kids can be even better. And an attraction that keeps children entertained while giving parents a chance to relax? That is holiday gold

What is it about South Africa that produces people capable of competing – and winning – on the world stage? Is it our resilience? Our diversity? Our communities? Our ability to find opportunity in adversity? Or is there something less tangible – a uniquely South African spirit that drives people to push beyond what is expected of them?

Digital platforms now shape first impressions and influence booking decisions long before travellers contact a tourism business. Holidaymakers are increasingly choosing their next destination after discovering it on social media, or after having watched travel videos, read reviews. Travellers are increasingly engaging with asking Artificial Intelligence (AI Tools) for recommendations

South African Tourism has officially opened registration for Meetings Africa 2027, marking the beginning of the next chapter for Africa’s premier business events trade show.

India is one of the world's fastest-growing travel and tourism economies. New research commissioned by South African Tourism shows that Indian travellers are seeking the right experiences, and South Africa is well positioned to compete for them. The findings send a clear message to the tourism trade: Indian travellers are evolving, and South African tourism businesses must adapt their products, marketing and sales approach accordingly.

International travellers are showing a strong interest in South Africa’s attractions, food, hospitality, and unique atmosphere. This gives the tourism industry a solid foundation as momentum builds into 2026. It is always meaningful to hear what visitors say after their trip, not what they expected, not what the brochures promised, but what they truly experienced.

South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, is visiting India from 18 to 23 August 2026 for a series of engagements aimed at strengthening tourism ties, exploring new partnerships, and enhancing connectivity between India and South Africa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially launch South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. Following its successful pilot during South Africa's G20 Presidency, the ETA will be officially launched as the cornerstone of South Africa's modern digital immigration system and the flagship reform of the Department of Home Affairs' digital transformation programme.

On Sunday, 16 August 2026, the global pop star will take over Gold Reef City in Johannesburg for a special A*POP Takeover, in partnership with South African Tourism and powered by Absa. The event will bring the A*POP era back to the city where Tyla’s journey began, while celebrating the South African fans who have supported her rise from local breakout star to one of Africa’s biggest global music exports.