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​Let me appreciate the great opportunity of sharing these few remarks here in Khayelitsha, which is a one of the largest townships in this country as well as the Western Cape Province.

​CAPE TOWN – The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr Fish Mahlalela will lead a delegation to Khayelitsha in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality to conduct a Tourism Community Engagement on Tuesday, 26 March 2024.

​The Minister looks forward to working with the new leadership to continue marketing South Africa as a world class tourist destination and to grow tourism arrivals and the country’s tourism offering. This will in turn support the objectives of the Tourism Sector Master Plan and the country’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery plan​.

​Let me express my sincere appreciation for being part of this memorable event to celebrate sheer determination and human resilience in the quest for holistic development.

South Africa remains an attractive destination, for both domestic and international travellers. The numbers show that the tourism sector is successfully driving travel to South Africa while shaping cultural exchanges and contributing to inclusive economic growth.​

​Let me from the onset express warm greetings from the people and the government of the Republic of South Africa and also appreciate this special occasion to address you while geopolitics complexities are threatening the global peace and we hope with the strengthening and transforming of world multilateral bodies we can bring back hope for peace.

The primary goal of this collaboration is to harness Google's technological expertise to support the Ministry of Tourism's efforts in promoting South Africa as a prime tourist destination. The partnership aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, skills development, and the use of digital tools to enhance tourism experiences and sustainability.​

​Programme Director, let me express my profound appreciation to all of you for being part of this extra ordinary event, the National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) 2023, which celebrates its 13th anniversary this year.

We are here today, to take hands and act on our collective mission and that is to look forward and break through the barriers that inhibit the growth and potential of tourism in South Africa.​

The numbers speak for themselves. South Africa remains an attractive destination, for both domestic and international travellers. The country draws travellers with its unique blend of nature, culture, and history. In a promising sign for the country’s tourism recovery, international tourist arrivals from January to July 2023 totalled 4.8 million.​

We welcome the developments that SANTACO and the Western Cape Government and City of Cape Town officials have reached an agreement and hope that all parties do all they can to implement the agreement peacefully with no further disruptions, damage to infrastructure and attacks on people. ​

The theme for this Congress is "Telling a Fresh Story", which focuses on SAACI strategic focus areas of Learning, Growth and Collaboration. We are here to tell and hear exciting fresh stories, recommit ourselves to a new collaboration that will bring growth to the tourism sector.​

​It is my honour and privilege to stand in front of you today to join and support the Khomanani and Mier communities in the creation of economic growth and cultural preservation.

​Traversing landscapes of space and time, the Kalahari is known for its rich cultural and tourism offerings of the Kalahari Red Dune Route. The route passes through such small communities such as Mier, Ashkam, Noenieput and Andreisvale, still home to the world’s oldest ancient tribe, the ǂKhomani.

​​On 19 July 2023, the Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille will launch the Twee Rivieren (±Khomani San) Interpretive Centre at the SANParks’ Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape Province.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille extends her heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the Irish tourist, former rugby player and coach Greig Oliver who tragically lost his life in a paragliding accident in Cape Town on Monday, 3rd July 2023.​

​It is my great pleasure to be here amongst our young people, our assets in tourism for this Youth Skills Programme Graduation ceremony.

Safety is one of the major issues affecting the tourism sector and as partners, government and the private sector, agreed tourism safety is a priority that we need to address collectively so that we can grow the sector and remove any obstacles standing in the way of that objective.​

​Allow me to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for gracing this important Indaba where the future of the tourism industry is being rebooted to enhance its efficiency to the economy.

​Allow me to welcome everyone to Durban, a city that pulsates with life, energy and infectious love for Africa and to be precise welcome you all to Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2023.

I had a fruitful and frank discussion with the interim SA Tourism Board and the Director General of the Department of Tourism outlining key outcomes and areas we need to work on urgently to ensure that the SA Tourism Interim Board, the SA Tourism executive and the Department of Tourism can work together efficiently to grow inclusive tourism for the country. 

​On 6 April 2023, I wrote a letter to the then chairperson of the SA Tourism Board, Dr Thozamile Botha asking for representation on why I should not dissolve the Board in terms of my powers under the Tourism Act. 

I encourage citizens to take advantage and support local tourism and local businesses as you enjoy the Easter holiday period and make new memories in some of the best spaces in the world. I also appeal to all travelers to be safe on the roads and at your destinations. Drive responsibly and take care over the Easter weekend. 

This matter is now concluded and we will continue working together to explore all avenues, create an environment conducive for the private sector to invest and crowd in on government initiatives within the legislative framework to grow tourism, welcome more visitors to our beautiful country and create more jobs for people in this sector.​

As a country, when we enter into such massive partnerships, it is vital that we are able to be fully accountable, that we are transparent and can answer South Africans clearly and honestly. Based on the Board Chairperson’s interim response received this morning 24 March 2023, my advice to the SA Tourism Board is that the proposal may as well be stopped completely.​

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Cape Town International Airport and the King Shaka Airport on their achievements in claiming awards at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2023 held in Amsterdam yesterday, 15 March 2023,” Minister de Lille said.​

Tourism is a major sector for our country and we have much more to offer the world. We can do a lot more to reach our full potential and create many more jobs for our people.​

Themed ‘Leave no one behind’ this post-SoNA engagement will bring together sector stakeholders and the community to engage on the significance of active citizen participation in government-led programmes, and initiatives that advance rural and community-centric tourism in the sector.

State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Cape Town City Hall, 9 February 2023​

​Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has noted a report by the Daily Maverick on Wednesday 1 February 2023 headlined: "From Lindiwe Sisulu, With Love: Inside SA Tourism’s R1bn proposal to sponsor Tottenham Hotspur". 

​Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has encouraged South Africans to take advantage of the diverse tourism products, assets and offerings including the rich history of different spaces to foster national unity, cohesion and to reject the stereotypes and practices that sought to deny to anyone enjoyment of this country.

​​​Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has noted with utter disgust reports of a racist attack by a group of white men on black children. A video circulating on social media shows a group of white men attacking children at the Masselspoort Resort outside Bloemfontein in the Free State on Christmas Day. ​

In an effort to boost tourism especially to the previously disadvantaged, Minister Lindiwe Sisulu met with JSE CEO, Dr Leila Fourie, to open discussions on how the JSE could work collaboratively with the Department of Tourism towards investment in the expansion of the tourism sector and in particular participation of and economic inclusion of women and youth. ​

​It is a distinct honour and privilege to be here today. We are gathered here to represent our collective efforts and the strong spirit with which we went into this year, following a devastating two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the first festive season we get to enjoy without any COVID-19 restrictions! South Africa is gearing up for a bumper festive season​. Domestic and international holidaymakers are looking forward to once again exploring and enjoying beautiful Mzansi.

​Thank you for inviting me to address the Southern African region’s aviation industry at such a critical juncture for our deeply interconnected and interdependent sectors. This event could not have come at a better time as we prepare to welcome and put into motion travellers and tourists during the festive season after the devastation of COVID​

The closing of the Numbi Gate outside the Kruger National Park was raised by the Committee after a vehicle carrying German tourists came under attack resulting in the horrific murder of one person outside the Numbi Gate last week.

​It gives me great pleasure to address you on the occasion of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) inaugural Tourism Leadership Conference. 

​I want to recognise the enormous support from the tourism sector itself and to pay tribute to the various service providers in the tourism value chain, from our trade partners, car guards, taxi drivers, petrol attendants, tourism guides, restaurateurs and hoteliers and all our diligent operators. The Tourism Sector can only thrive with your unequivocal support at work.​

Minister of Tourism, Lindiwe Sisulu, has congratulated MEC Siboniso Duma on his appointment as MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environment. The tourism sector in KwaZulu Natal has suffered serious challenges over the past two years, and coupled with his experience in the legislature, MEC Duma brings new energy to the portfolio. ​​

​Banyana Banyana's success, which has enhanced our nation’s proud reputation as a world-class sporting destination will also help drive the sports tourism market significantly, a sector that is slowly recovering after it was hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak, " said Minister Sisulu.​

​“While more has to be done, our efforts to remove constraints to travel and tourism, and regain the confidence to travel are bearing fruit,” Minister Sisulu said.

​Minister Sisulu also expressed her delight as sporting codes, music festivals and other major conferences are now permitted at full scale, meaning more tourists in the country.​

​“Air travel is a key pillar for South Africa’s tourism recovery and I am confident that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) SA Tourism recently signed with Emirates Airlines to grow the tourism market in South Africa will bear fruits soon,” said Sisulu. “Similar effort is underway with Qatar Airways and other airlines will hopefully serve to fill this gap”.​

​Minister Sisulu has expressed excitement at the latest data from statistics South Africa relating to tourist accommodation figures for march 2022. Total income from accommodation increased to R1,7 billion, an 88% increase compared to march 2021. For the entire first quarter of 2022, income from tourism accommodation rose 83%.​

​“The future for our African continent is bright. It is now time for our country, South Africa, to reclaim our place as an attractive tourism and business events destination,” these are the sentiments of the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela at his post-budget vote industry engagement. ​

​Minister Lindiwe Sisulu will embark on a two day visit to assess Tourism attractions affected by recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal. The Minister’s visit comes after a delegation led by the national department director general to assess the extent of damage to tourist attractions.​

​The Minister’s visit takes place as the Department prepares to participate in the second District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo on 09 April in the Free State Province. This public participation platform will offer the community an opportunity to converse with government officials - with a view of addressing the hurdles that are impeding progress and economic growth in various sectors.  ​

“As we are all looking forward to a brighter year for the South African tourism sector recovery, these revised regulations are most welcome. These revisions will immediately address some challenges that travellers and the tourism industry have expressed and will make South Africa more accessible and attractive. Doing away with the requirement of a PCR test for all arrivals reduces the added cost and administrative burden to travelling,” Minister Sisulu said.