South Africa sees strong recovery, growth in tourism sector

IANS January 15, 2025 224 views

South Africa is experiencing a remarkable rebound in its tourism sector, welcoming 7.2 million visitors in the first ten months of 2024. The country has strategically positioned itself to attract international events, with 53 bids secured for the upcoming financial year. President Cyril Ramaphosa is leveraging the G20 summit to showcase the nation's tourism potential, emphasizing sustainable and inclusive growth. These efforts signal a promising future for South Africa's travel industry and its economic development.

"We are unwavering in our commitment to showcasing our country's unparalleled beauty" - South African Tourism
Johannesburg, Jan 14: South Africa's tourism sector has continued to show strong recovery and growth, with a 5.7 per cent increase in inbound visitors in the first 10 months of last year, the South African Tourism (SAT) said Tuesday.

Key Points

1

Tourism sector shows strong recovery with 7.2 million visitors

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Business events expected to generate 616 million rands

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G20 summit to highlight South Africa's tourism potential

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Sector aims to drive sustainable economic growth

"Between January and October 2024, South Africa welcomed 7.2 million visitors -- an impressive 5.7 per cent increase compared to the same period last year," the SAT said in a statement. "Early indicators from the recent festive season suggest strong sector performance, with high occupancy rates and strong participation in events across the country."

"In the business events space, South African Tourism has so far secured 53 bids for international events in the 2024/2025 financial year. These events are expected to generate 616 million rands (about 33 million US dollars) for the economy and attract over 24,000 delegates between 2024 and 2029, further cementing South Africa's position as a premier destination for global conferences and events," said the official national tourism marketing agency of the South African government.

South Africa's 2024-2025 financial year, which started on April 1, 2024, will terminate on March 31, 2025.

"The SAT remains focused on driving sustainable growth in the sector, and we are unwavering in our commitment to showcasing our country's unparalleled beauty including our rich cultural and natural heritage to the world, while driving inclusive economic growth, and contributing to the reduction of unemployment," the statement said.

On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa's nature-based tourism sector has great potential to drive inclusive and sustainable growth, and that as the host of the first G20 summit on African soil this year, South Africa will showcase what the country can offer in terms of tourism.

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