South African Tourism Trade (GL)

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TTravel Trade

SSouth African Tourism works to support both local and international travel trade partners through education about South Africa, tools to assist with the marketing of South Africa and South African products and strives to unlock opportunities for business in the tourism value chain. Keep up to date with the latest industry news and events in South Africa and abroad, and become an expert on South Africa through our various support tools and programmes listed below.

Tourism Grading Council of South Africa

TGCSA is the only officially recognised organisation that authorises accommodation establishments to display stars. Get graded today!

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Lilizela Tourism Awards

Recognising and rewarding tourism players and businesses who work to deliver world-class products and services.

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SA Specialist

SA Specialist is an interactive online learning programme that will improve your knowledge of South Africa.

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Digital Assets Library

A collection of some beautiful images and video clips made for the esteemed partners of South African Tourism in promoting travel in and to South Africa.

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Partner Platform

If you're a travel trade partner, widen your reach by uploading your latest and greatest South African travel deals to South African Tourism's own Partner Platform.

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Travel Directory

Tourism operators can update their offering and for travellers to find accommodation, activities and attractions.

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Africa's Travel Indaba

One of the largest tourism marketing events in Africa and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar.

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Research

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Industry Reports
Tourism Outlook July 2021
1420 downloads
01 Apr 202101 Apr
Industry Reports
Tourism Outlook July 2021
South African Tourism has compiled a monthly tourism snapshot which provides a monthly outlook for international tourism from key source markets to South Africa. Information in the snapshot for each country includes: •Current restrictions on travel to/return from South Africa •Indication of COVID-19 infection levels •Progress in COVID-19 vaccination roll-out •Latest available data on tourist arrivals to South Africa •Indicator of near-term tourism potential from source market
1420 downloads
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Industry Reports
Tourism Outlook March 2021
967 downloads
31 Mar 202131 Mar
Industry Reports
Tourism Outlook March 2021
South African Tourism has compiled a monthly tourism snapshot which provides a monthly outlook for international tourism from key source markets to South Africa. Information in the snapshot for each country includes: •Current restrictions on travel to/return from South Africa •Indication of COVID-19 infection levels •Progress in COVID-19 vaccination roll-out •Latest available data on tourist arrivals to South Africa •Indicator of near-term tourism potential from source market
967 downloads
Download report
Industry Reports
Tourism Outlook February 2021
572 downloads
01 Feb 202101 Feb
Industry Reports
Tourism Outlook February 2021
South African Tourism has compiled a monthly tourism snapshot which provides a monthly outlook for international tourism from key source markets to South Africa. Information in the snapshot for each country includes: •Current restrictions on travel to/return from South Africa •Indication of COVID-19 infection levels •Progress in COVID-19 vaccination roll-out •Latest available data on tourist arrivals to South Africa •Indicator of near-term tourism potential from source market
572 downloads
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Industry Reports
International Tourist Behaviour Survey
300 downloads
Industry Reports
International Tourist Behaviour Survey
Dipstick on changes in consumer preference.
300 downloads
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Tourist Arrivals
2016 Tourist arrival September
338 downloads
01 Sep 201601 Sep
Tourist Arrivals
2016 Tourist arrival September
This report analyses tourist arrivals to South Africa. As part of a national effort to improve the quality of tourism statistics in South Africa, tourist arrivals, as opposed to visitor arrivals, is now been released. Please note that published figures exclude Transit tourist.
338 downloads
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Tourist Arrivals
2016 Tourist arrival October
113 downloads
01 Oct 201601 Oct
Tourist Arrivals
2016 Tourist arrival October
This report analyses tourist arrivals to South Africa. As part of a national effort to improve the quality of tourism statistics in South Africa, tourist arrivals, as opposed to visitor arrivals, is now been released. Please note that published figures exclude Transit tourist.
113 downloads
Download report
Tourist Arrivals
2016 Tourist arrival November
129 downloads
01 Nov 201601 Nov
Tourist Arrivals
2016 Tourist arrival November
This report analyses tourist arrivals to South Africa. As part of a national effort to improve the quality of tourism statistics in South Africa, tourist arrivals, as opposed to visitor arrivals, is now been released. Please note that published figures exclude Transit tourist.
129 downloads
Download report
Tourist Arrivals
2016 Tourist arrival May
60 downloads
01 May 201601 May
Tourist Arrivals
2016 Tourist arrival May
This report analyses tourist arrivals to South Africa. As part of a national effort to improve the quality of tourism statistics in South Africa, tourist arrivals as opposed to visitor arrivals is now been released. Please note that published figures exclude Transit tourist.
60 downloads
Download report

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News

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09 June 2025
South African Tourism’s North Europe Hub Celebrated for Creative Brilliance in Africa’s Top Tourism Film Festival
90 views

South African Tourism’s North Europe Hub Celebrated for Creative Brilliance in Africa’s Top Tourism Film Festival
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.
90 views
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06 June 2025
Welcoming with Pride: How South Africa Competes for the Global LGBTQIA+ Travel Market
187 views

Press Release | 06 June 2025
Welcoming with Pride: How South Africa Competes for the Global LGBTQIA+ Travel Market
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.
187 views
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04 June 2025
Minister of Tourism Responds to Updated U.S. Travel Advisory
267 views

Press Release | 04 June 2025
Minister of Tourism Responds to Updated U.S. Travel Advisory
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.
267 views
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19 May 2025
South Africa to Shine at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 leading Africa’s Top ICCA Ranking
607 views

Press Release | 19 May 2025
South Africa to Shine at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 leading Africa’s Top ICCA Ranking
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.
607 views
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18 May 2025
Statement by the South African Tourism board on the passing of Ms. Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe
369 views

Press Release | 18 May 2025
Statement by the South African Tourism board on the passing of Ms. Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe
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.
369 views
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18 May 2025
Tourism mourns the passing of member of parliament and chairperson of the portfolio committee Ms Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe
508 views

Press Release | 18 May 2025
Tourism mourns the passing of member of parliament and chairperson of the portfolio committee Ms Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe
It is with great sadness that we, Minister Patricia de Lille and Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu, extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Ms. Lungi Annette Mnganga-Gcabashe.
508 views
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16 May 2025
Stars, Stories, and Sustainability: Unlocking Astro Tourism in Southern Africa
320 views

Press Release | 16 May 2025
Stars, Stories, and Sustainability: Unlocking Astro Tourism in Southern Africa
Long before the term ‘Astro Tourism’ entered the global travel lexicon, African communities had been reading the stars, mapping the skies, and using celestial knowledge to guide agriculture, rituals, and movement. Today, that deep-rooted relationship between humanity and the cosmos is being reawakened, this time as a powerful lever for tourism, education, and sustainable economic growth.
320 views
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16 May 2025
Youth Tourism and Backpacking: Unlocking South Africa’s Appeal to Young Travellers
353 views

Press Release | 16 May 2025
Youth Tourism and Backpacking: Unlocking South Africa’s Appeal to Young Travellers
South Africa’s youth make up the majority of the population, and the future of the country’s tourism sector. But for the country to realise its full potential as a travel destination and industry leader, young people must be engaged today not just as consumers, but as creators, contributors, and catalysts for growth.
353 views
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Travel Trade News

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Research

Tourism Outlook July 2021

Tourism Outlook March 2021

Tourism Outlook February 2021

International Tourist Behaviour Survey

2016 Tourist arrival September

2016 Tourist arrival October

2016 Tourist arrival November

2016 Tourist arrival May

News

South African Tourism’s North Europe Hub Celebrated for Creative Brilliance in Africa’s Top Tourism Film Festival

Welcoming with Pride: How South Africa Competes for the Global LGBTQIA+ Travel Market

Minister of Tourism Responds to Updated U.S. Travel Advisory

South Africa to Shine at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 leading Africa’s Top ICCA Ranking

Statement by the South African Tourism board on the passing of Ms. Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe

Tourism mourns the passing of member of parliament and chairperson of the portfolio committee Ms Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe

Stars, Stories, and Sustainability: Unlocking Astro Tourism in Southern Africa

Youth Tourism and Backpacking: Unlocking South Africa’s Appeal to Young Travellers

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