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2025
Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille to host media launch of Meetings Africa 2025South African Tourism, in proud partnership with Gauteng Tourism Authority, Johannesburg Tourism Company, and the Sandton Convention Centre, is delighted to host the 19th edition of Meetings Africa, Africa’s premier business events trade show. This prestigious gathering will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 25 to 26 February 2025, preceded by the Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) on 24 February 2025, designed to foster meaningful connections and collaborations. 
2024
The African business events sector – is a significant contributor to the economyMeetings Africa Meetings Africa 2024 will see the 18th edition of this Business Events Trade Show, owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating a market access platform, for African Business Events Products. It serves as the primary platform to enable the growth of the business events industry on the continent and ultimately contributes towards its economic growth.

2023
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023 - “Electric”Durban, South Africa: Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023 was a phenomenal success. According to initial indications, this year’s Indaba surpassed projections with a remarkable 8,629 delegates, hosting 21,000 meetings between exhibitors and international buyers. Additionally, the event featured no less than a 1,000 international buyers and 1,023 exhibitors who showcased an impressive array of products.
 Advancing Tourism Growth and Development through researchThe Research Seminar takes place on an annual basis to disseminate research findings and recommendations to stakeholders in order to enhance strategies, planning, programmes, policy and decision-making within the tourism sector.
 Best Practices to rethink tourismThe Best Practices Workshops is a mechanism for the Department of Tourism to implement existing agreements between the Department and its African counterparts through information sharing on matters related to sustainable tourism growth and development.

2022
Tourism Public Lecture - advancing rural and community-centric tourismThemed 'Rethinking Tourism: Opportunities Await in Rural and Community-Centric Tourism,' the public lecture will bring together academia and sector stakeholders to engage and exchange ideas on how to enhance policy and strategies to promote the development of rural economies to enable sustainable and inclusive tourism.
 Address by L N Sisulu, MP, Minister of Tourism on the occasion of the Africa Travel Indaba, DurbanI am delighted that we are finally here and that we have been able to meet again after a two-year hiatus. The recent months of devastation in the Province have presented us with an additional set of challenges, on top of those presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. I know I have said numerous times before, but I will say it again, the tourism sector is incredibly resilient. And us being here today is testament to that.
 Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022Themed ‘Africa’s Stories, Your Success’ the 2022 Indaba will showcase a wide variety of Southern Africa's top tourism products and services, and afford delegates an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the exciting travel experiences on offer.  Best practice paves the way for tourism recoveryThe objective of the workshop amongst others includes: sharing information and best practices, identifying strategies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector and the strengthening of regional integration and cooperation. This initiative is in line with the provisions of South Africa`s foreign policy which supports the development of the region and the continent.
 Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister of Tourism on the occasion of the official opening of Meetings Africa 2022Events help accelerate progress because events promote information sharing and collective engagement. This in turn results in innovation and re-invention which are key for economic and professional development and advancement. This is why I am so pleased that this year we continue with our strategic positioning of Advancing Africa Together. At Meetings Africa, we are enhaancing and forming new partnerships grounded on what we have learnt in the past two years and in so doing we stay true to our theme of Shared Minds, Shared economies.  Address by L N Sisulu, Minister of Tourism on the occasion of the Launch of SA Tourism’s ‘Live Again’ Global CampaignOur country is ready to receive all travelers. All Covid-19 compliance measures have been strengthened with scientific evidence to protect all our citizens and all our visitors alike. The norms and standards for the safer operations of the tourism sector in the context of Covid-19 and beyond, were recently gazetted by ourselves on behalf of the South African government. These measures give assurance to all tourists and business events delegates about the safety of destination South Africa. We are safe and open for business.
 Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu to launch “Live Again” global campaignMeetings Africa, one of the African continent’s premier business events trade show, will once again welcome almost 1,000 exhibitors, buyers and delegates from around the world. The theme “Shared Minds, Shared Economies” aptly captures the intention of Meetings Africa 2022 as it calls for a cross-pollination of people and ideas.
 Minister Sisulu efforts bear fruit and welcomes UAE lifts travel bans“This is the culmination of the hard work and dedication of all tourism stakeholders. The war room we established is yielding results and today we see the UAE re-opening their doors to our travelers. Let us continue to work hand in hand to revive our industry,” Minister Sisulu said. 
2021
Eastern Cape tourism’s agility proved to be saving graceWith tourists increasingly looking for experiences in the wilderness, South Africa is an ideal destination. But zero in on the Eastern Cape, and tourists will find the rugged, untouched natural wide open spaces that are unmatched anywhere in the country.
 Gauteng a globally competitive force in tourismThe Gauteng province showed its mettle at the South African Pavilion’s Provincial Showcase on Tuesday, 21 December, held at the Expo 2020 Dubai. The showcase promotes the business and leisure tourism opportunities that exist in each of the nine provinces. The pavilion’s theme “Think South Africa, Think Opportunity,” calls on investors from around the world to consider South Africa a lucrative business destination.
 Northern Cape is safe and ready to offer travellers an authentic experienceThe Northern Cape might not have the highest density of
tourists compared to other provinces, but it calls for travellers to
participate in it. From the desert landscapes of the Karoo and Kgalagadi
to the rugged 320 kilometre Atlantic coastline, the Northern Cape
promises an authentic experience of the sublime.  Western Cape in a good space when it comes to traveller safetyTable Mountain, the Cape Winelands, the Karoo and the
Overberg are just some of the Western Cape’s most sought-after tourist
destinations. But more than a just visual feast, Wesgro – the province’s
tourism, trade and investment promotion agency – says these sites, and
others, are now Covid-safe and accessible to travellers. This is due to
Wesgro’s tireless collaborative efforts with partners to ensure
traveller safety.  Limpopo boasts tourism experience UnlikeAnyOtherSOUTH AFRICA, Johannesburg – Tuesday, 21 December 2021:
In a bid to attract a good mix of leisure and business travellers,
Limpopo Tourism positioned itself as a sports, wildlife and industry
mecca at the Expo 2020 in Dubai last night.  Free State’s tourism is chock-full of investment opportunitiesThe showcase provides each of South Africa’s nine provinces a stage to promote its tourism hotspots to a global audience and potential investors. The pavilion’s theme “Think South Africa, Think Opportunity,” calls on investors from around the world to consider South Africa a business destination.
 Tourism Minister welcomes the return of some source market flightsSouth Africa welcomes the gradual return of flights from important source markets. This in the aftermath of yet another travel ban imposed on South Africa and other African countries by some countries following the diligent identification and genomic sequencing of the Omicron variant by South African scientists.
 Tourism Minister attend Dubai Expo 2020The Dubai Expo will provide South Africa with an opportunity to rejuvenate its ailing economy with the tourism sector hardest hit during and beyond COVID -19. The Expo will also help promote destination South Africa and inspire the world to visit our shores, secure investment opportunities as well as to highlight the work of the industry, which is built on the concept of inclusivity and sustainability.
 North West tourism sector ripe for investmentThe North West province is one of South Africa’s largest and more significant local economies. The province is built primarily on mining with several multinational corporations having interests in gold, uranium, platinum and diamonds. A 2021 second quarter report from the North West Development Corporation shows that the province contributes six percent to the South African GDP.  Minister Lindiwe Sisulu returns from a successful UNWTO General AssemblyTourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has successfully lobbied the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to back South Africa and other African states and called on the world to reopen their borders. This follows the recent announcement that the country is back on the UK’s red list, which triggered travel restrictions being imposed by several other countries on Southern African countries, as a result of the identification of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant by South African scientists,
 Minister Sisulu speaking notes at the United Nations World Tourism General AssemblyI am glad that WHO has taken a different approach and this is what they have said and I quote “the speed and transparency of the South African and Botswana Governments in informing the world about the new variant is to be commended”. The Who stands with African countries which had the courage to share life-saving public health information.
 Tourism takes centre stage in December on SA Pavilion at World Expo“Due to the latest red listing, travel bans and travel advisories, we’ve had to be innovative in our approach to showing the world that South Africa is still a must visit destination,” commented Minister of Tourism, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu. The Tourism Month at Expo on the South African pavilion culminates in 18 months of strategizing and planning to deliver an excellent showcase of the best of South Africa.  Minister Lindiwe Sisulu disappointed by UK’s decision to place South Africa on the Red List again“While this is most disappointing South Africa will continue working with policy makers in the UK, Japan, Israel and European Union to ensure that the best possible interventions are put in place. I would like to commend the South African scientists on their diligence and all the work they have done and remain confident that all measures will be put in place to mitigate the spread of the virus,” Minister Sisulu said.
 Minister Lindiwe Sisulu attends 24th session of the UNWTO in Madrid, SpainDelegates are expected to deliberate on the importance of innovation, education and rural development in rebuilding the tourism sector, while highlighting the urgency of transforming the sector. Annual growth in the tourism sector regularly exceeds that of the world economy and international trade.
 South Africa removed from UK Red List welcomedTourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to remove South Africa from a list of countries in their red list, thus opening British travellers to visit South Africa without requiring hotel quarantine upon return.
 Accolade for Africa - South Africa gets ready for seat on UNWTO Executive Council“Our membership of the executive council, will assist to reposition Africa, establish our continent as a destination of choice and highlight our tourism offerings for travellers. It will be a great honour for us to serve Africa in this way, advancing Brand Africa and unlocking growth for the continent.,” says the Director-General of the Department of Tourism, Mr Victor Tharage.
 Research advances post COVID-19 tourism growthThis event is held annually to ensure that the research findings speak to the needs of stakeholders in the sector and to obtain constructive feedback from key stakeholders and researchers in the sector. It also aims to disseminate findings to key stakeholders in tourism, thereby ensuring that research recommendations are implemented, and translated into policy and practice. This year’s webinar was topical as it looked at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector and the potential opportunities going forward. 
2020
Research paves the way for tourism growth
This seminar is held annually to ensure that the research findings
address the needs of stakeholders in the sector and to disseminate and discuss
the findings of the research studies and to obtain constructive feedback from
key stakeholders and researchers in the sector. It also aims to disseminate
research findings to key stakeholders in the sector, thereby ensuring that
research recommendations are implemented, and translated into policy and
practice.  Tourism Minister officially opens Meetings AfricaThe business events sector is crucial to tourism and South Africa’s economy, as well as that of the continent. As a premier business event, Meetings Africa has emerged as one of the cornerstone events in South Africa’s MICE (Meetings, Incentive, Conferences, and Exhibition) sector. The industry, directly and indirectly, sustains more than 250 000 jobs and contributes an estimated R115 billion to South Africa’s economy, underlining an incontestable fact, that business tourists spend more than leisure tourists.
 Remarks by the Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, at the Meetings Africa launch, JSE, SandtonThank you for joining us today as we launch the 15th edition of Meetings Africa. In the 15 years of its existence, Meetings Africa has become a premier business event that is attended by notable exhibitors and delegates from Africa and beyond. One of the key objectives of Meetings Africa is to encourage and stimulate the rotation of meetings on the African continent. It is the ultimate platform for regional business events industry to engage in a bid to attract more global and regional business events to Africa.

2012
billionth touristA British tourist visiting Madrid, Spain on 13 December has been revealed as the symbolic face of the one billion international tourists travelling in 2012. The tourist was welcomed by the Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism of Spain, José Manuel Soria, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, and the Mayor of Madrid, Ana Botella, at an event in Madrid’s Museo del Prado, held to celebrate a record one billion international tourists in 2012.  Tourist Guide inspectionIn the build up to International Tourist Guides’ Day on the 21st of February 2013, the National Department of Tourism (NDT) in partnership with the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism conducted inspections in Limpopo as part of their awareness campaign to encourage the general public and tourism establishments to make use of registered tour guides.  Travel Awards“This being the second time Joburg Tourism has been nominated, we're thrilled with the news, and call on all our stakeholders to please support our nomination by voting online for JTC,” acting JTC CEO Phelisa Mangcu said in a statement on Tuesday.  Keynote address by Minister Marthinus van SchalkwykThank you for the opportunity to address you during this opening session of the Routes Africa conference. Over the last day or so, I have enjoyed the hospitality of Minister St Ange and the people of the Seychelles. It is truly a privilege to be your guest on these magnificent shores.  Memorandum of UnderstandingThe Republics of South Africa and Zimbabwe today signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the view to deepen cooperation in the field of tourism. Both countries acknowledge the contribution that tourism makes in growing their respective economies and creating employment opportunities. Agreement to cooperateThe South African government has enjoyed a long-standing diplomatic relationship with the Kingdom of Lesotho. The signing of the five-year Agreement (automatic renewable after every five years) on cooperation in the field of tourism between South Africa and Lesotho today is yet another expression of the good relations that exist between the two countries.

2013
Open travel regionsNew UNWTO research on Visa facilitation shows that Asia and the Pacific and the Americas are the most ‘open’ regions in terms of tourist Visa requirements. Data also shows that there has been significant progress on Visa facilitation globally in recent years, particularly with the implementation of Visa on arrival policies. 
2019
Tourism Minister on working visit to West AfricaThe Minister will spend two-days in Accra attending the First UNWTO Presidential Leadership Taskforce on Women Empowerment on Tourism Sector with Focus on Africa, where she will be part of a discussion panel under the theme “Tourism policies to enable gender equality”.
 Tencent_to_help_boost_Chinese_tourism_to_South_AfricaSouth Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane witnessed the signing of a strategic co-operation agreement between South African Tourism and Tencent, which is a company that owns amongst other things a popular platform in China called WeChat. This cooperation is expected to assist South Africa to have direct access to millions of potential Chinese travelers to market the country as a destination of choice.  Minister Derek Hanekom welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa to Africa Travel Indaba 2019President Ramaphosa, on behalf of the tourism industries from 20 African countries doing business here this year, and buyers from over 80 countries around the world, and a huge media contingency, who are communicating the good, including many untold stories about this incredible continent of ours: welcome to the biggest ever annual Africa Travel Indaba.
 Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Africa Travel Indaba 2019Tourism is one of the most international of industries for it is an industry that tends to showcase a country’s identity and offering to the world. Tourism has an extensive value chain, stimulating economic activity in manufacturing, in the services sector and in the creative and cultural industries.
 President Ramaphosa to address the 2019 Africa Travel IndabaThe Indaba, which is hosted in Durban annually, provides a platform for African countries to showcase and market themselves as tourist destinations. It is also an opportunity for a dialogue on the collective positioning of “Brand Africa” to attract more tourists and grow the African tourism market.
 Charting a course for sustainable tourism economiesDURBAN (KZN) - Tourism practitioners from across globe met for a two-day workshop to share best practice models, and engage on the methodologies that have the potential to shape the future of sustainable tourism economies in developing countries.
 Minister Derek Hanekom attends the Chinese Lunar New Year CelebrationsIt is a great honour to be with you, as you celebrate one of the most significant events in the Chinese calendar, the Lunar New Year. Joining you here tonight is our way of showing how much we value our strong relationship with the people of China, built over many years. The bond we have with you has enriched us, and in many different ways assisted us in addressing our challenges, inspired by the Chinese success story.

2018
Register to be part of the 2018 Tourism Public Lecture webinarMembers of the public, industry stakeholders and media are invited to participate in the Tourism Public Lecture that will be streamed live on the Tourism Update Platform on 18 September 2018. Minister Derek Hanekom will host the annual Tourism Public Lecture at the Walter Sisulu University (Mthatha campus) under the theme: “Tourism and the Digital Transformation.”  Tourism cooperation between South Africa and Palestine to increaseThe Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom together with his Palestinian counterpart, HE Rula Ma’Ayah Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the State of Palestine today signed a land mark tourism cooperation agreement between the countries at Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg.
 South Africa and Palestine to Strengthen Bilateral Tourism CooperationThe Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom will hold a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the State of Palestine, HE Rula Ma’Ayah to discuss strengthening of cooperation in the field of tourism between the two nationals / partners at Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg on 13 September 2018.  African Ministers meet to discuss Integrated Regional TourismTourism Ministers from several African Countries have called for greater regional cooperation to ensure growth in tourism across the continent. This emerged at the fifth African Ministerial Session hosted by South African Minister of Tourism Mr. Derek Hanekom in Durban on the eve of Africa’s Travel Indaba.

2017
Cabinet approves the National Tourism Sector StrategyThe Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa welcomes Cabinet’s approval of the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) 2016 - 2026. The NTSS is a sector wide strategy designed to enhance and harness the potential contribution of tourism to national development objectives and the aspirations of the country as espoused in the National Development Plan (NDP).
 South Africa’s 2015/16 State of Tourism ReportTourism has released the 2015/16 State of Tourism report to inform government and industry decision makers and businesses about the sector’s performance. The report provides a holistic view of the environment that the sector operates in whilst taking into account the challenges and opportunities associated with external factors in the country.
 National Tourism Sector ForumThe National Tourism Sector Forum will meet on 22 September 2017 to discuss the country's macro-economic outlook and implications for tourism sector as well as provide an update on the National Tourism Sector Strategy Review and key programmes of the Department.
 Minister Xasa to visit Rwanda and MalawiThe Minister of Tourism, Ms. Tokozile Xasa, will lead a South African delegation of public and private sector tourism experts to attend the 41st Annual World Tourism Conference in Kigali, Rwanda which will take place from 28 to 31 August 2017. The conference will attract government leaders, international investors and travel professionals from the United States, Europe and Africa to explore how tourism can be utilised as an engine for economic growth and job creation.  Tourism sector promotes peace and development through guidingThe Department of Tourism in partnership with the Robben Island Museum (RIM) joined the world in celebrating the 2017 International Tourist Guides’ Day which took place at Robben Island from 2 to 3 March under the theme: “Peace and Development through Guiding”. The celebrations aimed to create awareness about peace and sustainable development in the tourism industry, and provided a platform for tourist guides across the country to network, discuss challenges and share best practices. 
2016
Mandarin trainees head for ChinaThe first group of frontline tourism staff to be trained in Mandarin have completed the initial phase of their training and are heading to China for cultural learning experiences.  When you speak to a man in his own language, you speak to his heart“In order for anyone to not only fit in, but to live an effective life in today’s global village, one needs to learn as much about other cultures as possible,” said Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms. Tokozile Xasa, during the launch of the Foreign Language Training Programme in Mandarin and Russian.  Meetings Africa 2016-GreeningThe Meetings Africa team aims to showcase Africa as a premier business events destination that cares about its people and the natural environment. Through hosting the event in a responsible manner, it reflects the importance of local economic development, and keeps abreast of international trends.  Meetings Africa 2016In recent years, the global meetings industry has begun to recognise Africa as a sought after destination. Meetings Africa showcases Africa’s diverse offering of services and products where African associations and African meetings industry professionals can partner to help transform our continent. 
2015
Tourism institutions share common vision to advance tourismThe Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) at a prestigious event that was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Tourism at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s hotel school.

2014
INDABA Ministerial RoundtableI have great pleasure in welcoming so many of my friends and ministerial colleagues from the African continent, as well as captains of industry and other stakeholders in the audience here this afternoon for the first ever INDABA Ministerial Roundtable. It is our intention to use this annual ministerial policy dialogue to discuss where we want to take our continent and its travel and tourism infrastructure in the next ten and 20 years.  Inaugural Ministerial DialogueThemed 'Africa: Open for Tourism Business', the session will afford African Ministers and key tourism industry players a platform to discuss and debate the current state of Tourism in Africa and collectively devise solutions to the growth and development of tourism in Africa.
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