South Africa updates tourism policy after 28-year gap
South Africa has approved a new tourism White Paper, marking the first major policy update since 1996. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille announced on 6 October that Cabinet has endorsed the framework, which aims to modernise the country's approach to tourism development.
The revised policy responds to significant changes in the sector over nearly three decades, with particular focus on digital innovation, competitiveness and inclusion. It addresses key challenges including safety and security, access improvements and crisis management.
Despite the sector employing 1.46 million people and contributing 8.2% to South Africa's GDP in 2023, officials believe tourism remains below its potential. The World Travel and Tourism Council projects sector employment will reach 1.7 million jobs in 2024.
The new framework emerged from extensive consultations across all nine provinces, drawing approximately 3,500 public comments during a two-month review period. Minister de Lille emphasised that implementation will require “collective effort” from all stakeholders to help tourism reach its full potential.
Source: South Africa Tourism