Today, we gather here not just to celebrate the art of cooking but to honour the vibrant tapestry of flavours, cultures, and stories that South Africa brings to the worldwide culinary stage.​

We look forward to working with you all to grow tourism arrivals and business events in South Africa – a value for money destination and the most beautiful country in the world. Come Meet South Africa!

​​​​Recently named the top business events destination in Africa and the Middle East, South Africa is gearing up to solidify this position with a strong showing at the world's top business events trade show, t​he IBTM (Incentives, Business Travel, and Meetings) World in Spain.

It is with great excitement that I welcome you all to the launch of the 2024 Summer Campaign. I am thrilled to stand before you to unveil this summer campaign that promises to showcase the vibrant culture, breath-taking landscapes, diverse tourism offerings and rich heritage of our beloved nation. ​

​It’s time for fun in the sun and adventure and showcasing all the many diverse offerings South Africa has to offer visitors. This year, Minister de Lille will launch the Summer Campaign in the City of Roses. ​

​One of the most noteworthy and exciting things for me is that the UJ School of Tourism and Hospitality continues to achieve 100% placement of its students in the Work Integrated Learning programme through its strong industry partnerships.​

The sector needs young people who are committed to the growth of the sector and its potential to create jobs and grow our economy. Passion is key to career growth in this sector; whether it is about culture or nature, history or travel and working with people, passion will help your career to flourish.​

Limpopo – Deputy Minister of Tourism Ms. Maggie Sotyu will officially open the 2024 National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) tomorrow in the Limpopo Province. Close to 10 000 learners, educators and unemployed youth are expected to participate in the 2024 NTCE that will be held for the first time at the City of Polokwane’s New Peter Mokaba Stadium from 08 to 10 October 2024. ​

Very exciting for me is that this province is leading South Africa’s proactive stance in leveraging the significant advances made in the development of the world’s largest space telescope array, with a comprehensive astro-tourism strategy.​

We want to use the SKA and the Astro Tourism as a catalyst to develop the Karoo and provide opportunities for rural tourism as well as agri-tourism to develop rural areas further. The Northern Cape is the prime location to launch this strategy as 50% of the world’s population cannot see the beauty of the night sky but the African sky still remains at an advantage, by having the clearest and darkest night sky. ​​

A 10^th application window was recently opened on 2 September 2024 and will remain open for applications until 28 February 2025. Eligible tourism businesses are encouraged to apply for funding from the GTIP to install energy and water saving technologies at their establishments.​

​The Department of Tourism invites eligible tourism enterprises to apply for support under the Green Tourism Incentive Programme’s (GTIP) 10th application window that opened on 2 September 2024 and will remain open until 28 February 2025. ​

​​​​​​​​​Let me express my profound appreciation to the organizers of this extraordinary event where we bring to life exceptional benefit of one of the funds earmarked at bringing inclusive economic growth to our society.

​​There are tremendous opportunities for employment across South Africa that offers various career opportunities in the travel and tourism sector such as: in government, hospitality, conservation, costal marine, adventure, luxury, township and village tourism careers.​​​

The tourism sector is key economic driver and one of the most exciting sectors which is constantly growing and evolving. It provides a range of work opportunities for young people from the transport sector, tour operators, hospitality and the conference and events sectors to name a few. ​​

The Department of Tourism will host a community engagement in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality to share information on Government’s programmes and opportunities that serve to empower SMMEs, and create robust and sustainable local economies in the Free State Province.

​As Government we working with our key stakeholders to make significant strides in assisting tourism businesses to respond to the needs of the visitors by capitalising the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF), the Green Tourism Incentive Programme, the Market Access Support Programme, the Tourism Grading Support Programme as well as interventions like the Expanded Public Works Programme. ​

"These international platforms provide a massive opportunity for South African tourism businesses to market Destination South Africa to the world and tell people our unique stories and experiences. The support provided by the Department for small tourism enterprises to exhibit at established domestic and international platforms has been a huge success for many South African businesses who have made new connections and business deals at various trade shows,” Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille said. ​

​The successful placement of these learners in various establishments will constitute a remarkable achievement and it will also test the success rate of our skill development programmes in the Department.

​​​On the 23 February 2024, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Fish Mahlalela, will oversee the graduation ceremony to honour 25 Chefs from the KwaZulu-Natal province who successfully completed the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme. ​

The  Department of Tourism will host a graduation ceremony to honour Chefs in the Western Cape who successfully completed the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme. The 25 students will receive NQF Level 5 Occupational Trade certificates bringing to fruition their dream of being accredited chefs in the tourism sector.  

This expo aims to shine the light more prominently on tourism products in our villages and townships where people from disadvantaged backgrounds are breaking through barriers to stake their claim in the tourism sector. ​

​The Department of Tourism invites all eligible tourism enterprises to take part in the Green Tourism Incentive Programme’s (GTIP) 9th application window, opening on 25 January until 31 March 2024.

The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, today welcomed the deployment of 40 tourism monitors for Table Mountain National Park. The Tourism Monitors Programme is an initiative by the Department of Tourism to supplement safety and security measures by the South African Police Service, to enhance tourism safety. ​

We are encouraged by the level of interest and applications to the Tourism Equity Fund which is aimed at driving empowerment and transformation to support the growth of new and emerging enterprises in the tourism sector.​

As part of the National Tourism Safety Strategy, today, together with the Deputy Minister, Fish Mahlalela, the Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, the CEO of the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency, Mr Mduduzi Vilikazi and other tourism stakeholders, we launched and deployed the first group of Tourism Monitors in Hazyview in Mpumalanga. ​

As part of the National Tourism Safety Strategy, on Tuesday 12 December, Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille will launch the Tourism Monitors Programme in Hazyview, Mpumalanga.​

​Led by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Fish Mahlalela, and the executives of the local municipalities within the Lejweleputswa District Municipality, the discussions will highlight the significance of government initiatives in uplifting communities, creating robust local tourism economies, and sustainable opportunities for all. ​

As Government we working with our key stakeholders to make significant strides in assisting tourism businesses to respond to the needs of the visitors by capitalising the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF), the Green Tourism Incentive Programme, the Market Access Support Programme, the Tourism Grading Support Programme as well as interventions like the Expanded Public Works Programme.

The engagement aims to empower women, youth and people living with disabilities with information on the opportunities that exist in the tourism sector. The event will also outline the Tourism Master Plan with the view to encourage active citizen participation in Department led programmes and initiatives. ​

​Themed: “Accelerating Youth and Women Economic Emancipation for a Sustainable Future," the community engagement will share insights on multiple government empowerment initiatives, including the Tourism Sector Master Plan, and the recently launched Tourism Equity Fund to encourage active participation by communities in the programmes and opportunities offered by the Department. ​

The R1.2 billion TEF aims to increase growth, and transformation and stimulate more inclusive participation in the tourism sector in line with the targets of the Tourism B-BBEE Sector Codes. The TEF is intended to address the funding challenges faced by Qualifying Small Enterprises and Emerging Micro Enterprises in the tourism sector.​

“Implementing the Masterplan will create opportunities for inclusive participation of all sectors of society, including women, youth and people with disabilities. This Plan also gives impetus to the recovery and sustained growth of the sector,” said Minister De Lille.​

Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille welcomes Cabinet’s concurrence for the implementation of the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF). Following a protracted court case, earlier this year, an out-of-court TEF settlement was reached with the applicants and the court application was subsequently withdrawn. ​

The theme for this NTCE 2023 is “Tourism Investment for People, Planet and Prosperity,” which acknowledges the overall disruption in the tourism sector brought about by COVID-19 pandemic to provide an opportunity to redefine and recalibrate the direction and narratives of tourism investments for a more sustainable future for the People, the Planet, and prosperity. ​

​The Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. Fish Mahlalela will officially open the 2023 National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) on 29 September 2023 at the Joburg Expo Centre in Nasrec – Gauteng Province.

Tourism extends beyond simply powering economies and creating jobs or offering wanderlust explorers unforgettable experiences; it is a formidable force in building cohesive societies. It facilitates the breaking down of barriers of race, gender and class, thus fostering understanding and nurturing the rich tapestry of our shared humanity​

Today, we gathered here to mark the World Tourism Day under the inspiring and forward-thinking theme, “Tourism and Green Investment”, it behoves us all to appreciate our strides we made thus far in making an enterprise for everyone.​

The youth expo is held annually and draws in thousands of learners and educators from across the country to engage directly with tourism curricula experts and sector stakeholders at the three-day showcase of tourism vocations and opportunities. ​

Themed: “Tourism invests in a green future,” the celebration will highlight the initiatives that are poised to drive tourism recovery, whilst advocating for sector collaboration on programmes that create decent employment, inclusive economic growth, vibrant and sustainable local communities. ​

As we kick off this summer campaign today, our message is clear: South Africa offers a treasure trove of experiences suitable for all types of travellers. Whether you are a local looking to explore your own country without straining your budget or an international adventurer seeking new memories, we’ve got you covered.​

​It is such an honour for me to be here today and I cannot think of a better way to start Tourism Month than to be here.  This is the time when we get to meet our future leaders, game changers, risk takers, future policy makers and nation builders.

​Gauteng – On-line registration for South Africa’s flagship careers event, the National Tourism Careers Expo 2023 (NTCE) is open. As many as 10 000 learners and teachers are expected to participate in this year’s three-day event at the Johannesburg Expo Centre - NASREC from 29 September to 01 October 2023.

Tourism is the world's fastest-growing employment sector that continues to adapt to new trends and the NTCE is designed to bridge the information gap between the industry, government, learners, and educators.​

​The 2023 youth expo will showcase a plethora of careers and business opportunities that exist in the sector. Themed, “Tourism Investments for People, Planet and Prosperity”, the event will highlight the significance of government and private sector investment in creating opportunities that empower communities, in a manner that conserves and sustains our environment, whilst driving innovation and prosperity or all. ​

Since our last update to the media on this at the end of May, TBCSA has established a Tourism Operations Centre to guide and manage the SECURA Traveller technology to support the Tourism Monitors.​

As we gather here to celebrate the launch of Tourism Month under the theme “Tourism and Green Investments,” our focus on sustainability is paramount. This is critical for us to build a genuinely resilient tourism sector.​

Today, the tourism industry, led by Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, came together for the launch of Tourism Month 2023 and to reflect on tourism’s vital role in our country’s growth and development -  particularly, domestic tourism.​

The Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. Fish Mahlalela and the executives of the Drakenstein Local Municipality will lead the discussions that will highlight the significance of government initiatives in uplifting communities, and in creating robust local economies that create sustainable opportunities for all.​

​The BQV (Basic Quality Verification) is the Tourism Grading Council’s new programme, we today launching its KwaZulu-Natal leg at the Africa’s Travel Indaba, after a successful pilot project in the Eastern Cape.​

I am pleased to see that the Women in Tourism has established chapters in all 9 provinces to mobilise women in the industry along with various relevant government departments at national, provincial and local levels, to address identified challenges and gaps in the tourism value chain. ​

In recognition of National Energy Month and in mitigation of the current energy constraints faced by the country, the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, invites all eligible tourism enterprises to apply for the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) during the 8th application window which will be open from 2 May to 30 June 2023. 

The GTIP demonstrates collaboration by government and the private sector working together to keep tourism open for business and continue welcoming more visitors to our beautiful country. This initiative is also part of government’s efforts to drive down demand on the national electricity grid.​

To highlight the Department of Tourism’s Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP), Minister de Lille will tomorrow visit the Houw Hoek hotel in Grabouw, Western Cape where a solar photovoltaic (PV) system have been installed with the Department’s assistance to protect the tourist business from the impact of the electricity crisis. 

The Department of Tourism in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), and the Okhahlamba Local Municipality will host an event to celebrate the successful implementation of the Service Excellence Campaign in the tourist town of Bergville in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.  

During the ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela congratulated the chefs for their tenacity and hard work in achieving their Occupation Certificates as Chefs (NQF level 5) accredited by the Quality Council for Trade Occupations (QCTO).​

The Recognition of Prior Learning process can help these individuals acquire a formal qualification that matches their knowledge and skills, and thereby contribute to improving their employability, mobility, lifelong learning, social inclusion and self- esteem.

The Department identified a need to implement the RPL programme to assist employed and unemployed chefs, who have a wealth of work experience, to gain a formal qualification in order to advance in their careers, and in the sector.​

​The main task of the Tourism Monitor is to enhance the tourists' experience as well as improve their safety by interacting with them and patrolling identified tourist hotspots to ensure they are safe and reporting any incidents to relevant enforcement agencies.

The Tourism Monitors Programme is one of a number of initiatives that the Department implements and are aimed at empowering the youth in the sector. The Department of Tourism is committed to providing training and development programmes that will drive inclusive growth of the sector. 

The Department of Tourism in collaboration with the South African National Parks (SANParks) will host a graduation ceremony to honour youth from the Mpumalanga Province who successfully completed the Tourism Monitors Training Programme.​

This talent boost enhances the Western Cape’s tourism and hospitality experience. The Department continues to advance the tourism and hospitality experience and reaffirms its commitment to training and development which will yield many happy returns and will contribute to the tourism recovery plan.

Through these programmes, we are introducing young people to accredited educational programmes that not only contribute to improved service levels, but will also assure an enhanced visitor experience and the sector’s sustainability.​

​The Food Safety Assurer’s graduation took place ahead of this week’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) that is poised to encourage an inclusive and proactive integration of all in growing the country’s economy under the theme – ‘Leave no one behind.’ The Department of Tourism remains committed to providing training and development programmes that will drive the inclusive transformation and grow the sector. ​

​An empowered and adequately skilled workforce is critical for the success of the tourism sector, economy and global competitiveness. Through these programmes, we are introducing young people to accredited educational programmes that not only contribute to improved service levels, but will also assure an enhanced visitor experience and the sector’s sustainability.​

To celebrate summer and the festive season, the Department of Tourism today held the last of its series of summer graduation by hosting the graduation of the Food and Beverages Programme in East London, Eastern Cape.  The Department warmly welcomes the new cohort of graduates to populate the talent pool in the tourism value chain. As we are in the festive season and tourism peak-period, the sector has been bolstered by this addition of 55 graduates. ​​

​As part of welcoming summer, the Department of Tourism today hosted the graduation of the Professional Cookery Programme in the Northern Cape and welcomes the new cohort of graduates to populate the talent pool in the tourism value chain. As we are in the festive season and tourism peak-period, the sector has been bolstered by this addition of 41 graduates.

​Offering excellent service and creating memorable experiences meet and exceed the expectations of visitors and ensures their return. The Department continues to advance the tourism and hospitality experience and reaffirms its commitment to training and development which will yield many happy returns and that will contribute to the tourism recovery plan. This intervention plays a major role in the tourism value chain.​

​The event is an opportunity to celebrate the graduates and to understand what is possible when the public and private sector work together through innovative strategic partnerships. Partnerships that can make tourism truly sustainable, domestic, diverse and inclusive.​

​With the Festive Season nearly upon us, the Department of Tourism is gearing up for the summer holidays and today hosted the graduation of the Wine Service Training Programme in the Western Cape and welcomes the new cohort of 139 graduates to populate the talent pool in the tourism value chain. 

​The Department of Tourism, in partnership with the UNISA Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL), held a graduation ceremony to recognise women who successfully completed the Executive Development Programme (EDP) for women in tourism.

​The Department, in partnership with UNISA, developed and customised an Executive Development Programme to train women managers in the tourism sector. The content of the programme was designed to cover the accommodation, hospitality, travel and other related tourism sub-sectors. ​

​The Department of Tourism, in partnership with the UNISA Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL), will host a graduation ceremony to recognise the participants who successfully completed the Executive Development Programme (EDP) for Women in Tourism.  

​The Department of Tourism today hosted a graduation ceremony for the Wine Service Training Programme in KwaZulu-Natal and welcomes the new cohort of 88 sommelier graduates to populate the talent pool in the tourism value chain. ​

The Department of Tourism will host a graduation ceremony to acknowledge learners in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province who successfully completed the Wine Service Training Programme. The Wine Service Training programme forms a part of the objectives of the National Tourism Sector Strategy to address skills shortages in the sector, whilst contributing towards government’s greater objective of creating employment opportunities for the youth.​

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​In mitigation of the current energy and water constraints, the Department of Tourism therefore invites all eligible tourism enterprises to take part in the current Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) application window which is now open until 28 February 2023. 

​Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has expressed outrage following the attack on four German tourists on Monday 3 October 2022 while making their way to a lodge near Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga during which one of the tourists was fatally shot.​

​​To many of us rethinking tourism means taking stock of everything that has been done in the past to harness tourism as a force for good. Rethinking tourism also is to re-strategize to make tourism more meaningful to those whose livelihoods depend on it. It’s about taking bold decisions to truly make tourism a cornerstone for economic transformation.​​

​The youth expo is held annually and draws in thousands of learners and educators from across the country to a three-day showcase of tourism vocations and opportunities. Participants can engage directly with tourism curricula experts and sector stakeholders on the diverse opportunities in the sector. 

​Dappled in Spring sunshine and to the sound of beating drums and pulsating energy, the Western Cape today played host extraordinaire to World Tourism Day celebration at the Ecology Lifestyle Farm, nested in the Overberg. Ecology Lifestyle Farm is a black, female-owned enterprise that is affiliated to the Women in Tourism Western Cape Chapter. Today’s celebration is the culmination of the month’s tourism activations across the country. ​

​The Department of Tourism today hosted the graduation ceremony of the Food Safety Quality Assurers Programme in the Western Cape. The programme provides training on norms and standards for safe tourism operations, including COVID-19 protocols, targeting the retrenched and unemployed youth.​

“It is imperative that we all proactively participate in the safety initiatives we are driving with the South Africa Police Services (SAPS), in partnership with tourism trade, to safeguard our communities, and assure visitors of safe attractions wherein they can create memorable experiences,” said Deputy Minister Mahlalela.   ​​

​“This year’s Tourism Month celebrations are incredibly special because we are recognising how far we have come as a sector, in spite of everything we have been through in the last few years,” said Sisulu. ​

​Tourism Month is in line with our country’s vision to ignite inclusive economic growth, sustainable job creation, and transformation, which are all critical for our industry and we need to aim to continue with our collective efforts in driving this. This is part of the National Development Plan, which recognises tourism as one of the main drivers of the economy.​​

​September provides a heightened month-long focus on the importance of tourism to our economy. This year the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s World Tourism Day Theme is “Rethinking Tourism”​

As the sector prepares to celebrate Tourism Month in September, the Department hosts the stakeholder engagement to rally industry players to enforce proactive and preventative practices to promote vigilance and awareness on safety among tourists and local communities to curb incidences of crime at tourist destinations.​​

​We are tirelessly implementing the tourism infrastructure maintenance programme in key tourism assets, rolling out the sector skills development programme to ensure that relevant skills are available as the sector recovers.​

​In view of the shifting of the global economy, our government saw it fit to introduce another foreign language as part of learning in 2015. It flows therefore that in the tourism space as tourists’ numbers increase, tourist guides would need to be able to speak foreign languages, have a range of specialities, be able to guide across regions/borders and provide exceptional and authentic customer experiences. ​

​​The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr Fish Mahlalela, today officiated the closing ceremony of the Mandarin Language Training for 34 Tourist Guides as they received their certification for participation in the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) 2 course.​

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​​​The Foreign Language Training Programme is a capacity-building initiative designed to enable tourist guides to develop com​petencies in Mandarin, with the view of improving service levels and visitor experience. The training programme focused on language tutoring, reading and writing skills, and a course on Chinese culture.

“Knowledge becomes wisdom only after it has been put to good use,” said Mark Twain. The Department of Tourism today hosted a graduation ceremony for beneficiaries of its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) project in Vereeniging, Gauteng.​​

​Twenty (20) tech-savvy entrepreneurs, between the ages of 18 and 35, ​were selected to begin a two-year journey in tourism’s incubator programme to advance the design and business viability of their prototypes. Once finalised, the innovations will be introduced to the sector and potential investors for funding, implementation, or as resources for new ventures new business entrants  in tourism. 

​The aim of this programme is to support a pipeline of young tourism-tech entrepreneurs who can develop disruptive technologies for the industry, as well as to facilitate the introduction of new concepts that will help boost, sustain and create more jobs in the tourism industry. ​

​​Deputy Minister of Tourism Fish Mahlalela will launch the Tourism Technology Grassroots Innovation Incubator Programme (TTGIIP) aimed at introducing a pool of young innovators to spearhead ideas to stimulate the growth of the sector through technological advancements.​

​Themed ‘Promoting sustainable livelihoods and resilience of young people for a better tomorrow,’ the Youth Month tourism Imbizo will commemorate inspire and uplift young people to pursue sustainable livelihoods through business ideas, innovation and government led programmes that unlock opportunities and enable them to contribute meaningfully to their communities, and the overall economy.​

​​​​​As we all know, the NTCE programme seeks to promote and highlight tourism as a career, profession and business of choice. It is a programme directed at high school’s learners, TVET College, University students and also out of school youth and unemployed tourism graduates.

The Expo promises to be an exciting and informative event for Grade 8-12 learners, university and college students and unemployed graduates who wish to build careers and business venture in tourism. 

​The NTCE aims to help create and build jobs in the tourism industry with the theme: “Rebuilding a Resilient and Inclusive Tourism Sector for the Future”. This year there will also be an online component to allow visitors from outside Gauteng to attend.

​“As an economic driver, tourism has the potential to create multiple opportunities for all. Its ability to generate demand and production across various sectors of the economy asserts its significance in our country’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP).” 

​​Tourism is a priceless resource and a significant instrument of social cohesion and a unifier on the African continent. It is so much more than generating revenue. It is the golden thread that weaves and knits together the fabric of our African society. Indeed, it resonates with the very essence of Ubuntu and the spirit of Africa. ​

​The UNWTO Women in Tourism Empowerment Programme sets a precedent for establishing tourism as a tool for the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment, using gender analysis and gender training to tackle inequality and gender-based discrimination in the tourism industry.

​The Department of Tourism has initiated the WiT programme to drive the gender equality and inclusion of women entrepreneurs in the sector. To ensure that communities benefit as participants in the tourism economy, a pilot project focussing on women in tourism within Limpopo was identified to participate in the UNWTO Women in Tourism Pilot programme. ​

​The Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. Fish Mahlalela today launched the 2021 National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) which will take place at the Joburg Expo Centre at Nasrec from Friday, March 25, to Sunday, March 27​

​The NTCE is designed to bridge the information gap between the industry, government, learners and educators. The expo aims to drive the goal of the National Tourism Sector Strategy to create an additional 300 000 tourism jobs opportunities by 2026.​

​GAUTENG - The Department of Tourism (DT), in collaboration with the Culture Arts, Tourism, Hospitality & Sport Education Training Authority (CATHSSETA), the Gauteng Department of Economic Development and its provincial marketing agency – the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA), will host the 2021 National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) at the Joburg Expo Centre in Nasrec from 25 to 27 March 2022.​

Themed ‘Unlocking Business Opportunities for Youth and Women Entrepreneurs in Tourism,’ the engagement will shed light on the Department’s SMME programmes, and Youth Skill Development initiatives that are earmarked to support industrialists and unemployed youth as the sector works towards tourism recovery. ​

​​​​​The Department of Tourism is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Mmaditonki Setwaba as the National Registrar of Tourist Guides. Ms Setwaba is currently the Deputy Director-General: Tourism Sector Support Services within the Department.​

​This initiative is in line with the broader objectives of Tourism Sector Recovery Plan which advocates for protection and rejuvenation of tourism supply. One of the ways to achieve these is through provision of information on various (financial and non-financial, skill development etc.) support opportunities that exists within both public and private entities​

​The South African Tourism (SA Tourism) Board, Management, staff and partners are deeply saddened by the news of the passing away of one of South Africa’s tourism sector’s pioneers, Lebo Malepa, founder of Soweto Backpackers.

​The Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) today launched its Tourism Monitors Programme that will see safety measures, and visitor information services boosted at the OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports. 

​It is important that women and youth in tourism participates actively in the IDP stakeholder consultations processes in order to ensure that projects that respond to their needs are prioritised in the IDP of relevant local and district municipalities.

​Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. Fish Mahlalela, and the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Mr. Vusumuzi Prince Mkhatshwa will host a youth and women in tourism Imbizo at Ebutsini Cultural Village in the Mpumalanga Province. ​

The Board of South African Tourism (SA Tourism) has accepted the resignation of Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer, Ms Sthembiso Dlamini.​​

Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu will on 2 October, conduct a Vooma Vaccination Campaign in Ladysmith and eThekhwini Metro on Sunday 3 October.​

The Department of Tourism calls on eligible enterprises to apply for the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF), and the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) from today, 1 October 2021.​

​​I would like to start by quoting Peter Drucker. When he says: “Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.” Today, I applaud your courage and determination and emphasise your significance in the tourism value chain.

​As you all know, we cannot begin to talk about tourism without reflecting on the major hindrances that are impeding tourism recovery. We cannot talk about tourism without indicating the progress we are making in reversing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.​

​Part of our World Tourism Day celebrations, is the annual public lecture. The purpose of this public lecture is to not only raise awareness on the crucial role that academic institutions and government play in promoting tourism in South Africa... It is also to advance the dialogue between the policy-makers and the academic institutions on the importance of inclusive tourism growth in South Africa.

​The ninety-minute discussion will highlight policy initiatives that range from Skills Development Programmes, to incentivised business funding initiatives that will be implemented as part of the objectives of the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) and the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (TSRP).

​The Pilot Mentorship Programme is established to test the effectiveness of mentorship to assist in growing the tourism industry and supporting, growing and transforming leadership and enterprises within it.

​Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit will take place from 19th to 21st September 2021. It will be the African travel trade’s first hybrid conference, whereby tourism stakeholders can access events physically and online. And in an unprecedented move by South African Tourism, the Summit will be held in five venues across Africa, including Johannesburg and Durban.

​The Africa Travel and Tourism Summit will give tourism policy makers and product owners an opportunity to reflect and respond efficiently to the current challenges imposed in the main by the pandemic.

​World Tourism Day is a United Nations designed day celebrated annually across the world to focus and advocate for the centrality and contribution of the tourism sector towards the attainment of the global development goals for sustainable development and the fight against poverty.

​The Department of Tourism has continued to receive enquiries since the closure of the Tourism Relief Fund about the prospects of new funding to continue to support enterprises who are facing renewed challenges due to the impact of COVID19.

​As the matter approaches its resolution in court, we appeal for patience from all applicants who have kept our lines busy seeking answers on when feedback on their applications would be provided and when processing of applications will commence

​Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, will host a media briefing to provide an update on the Tourism Equity Fund. The Fund was launched at the beginning of 2021 to drive transformation in tourism, and to facilitate sector recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a High Court interdict in April, the processing and payment of the Tourism Equity Fund was halted.

​The SMME Workshops are a significant part of the drive to structurally transform our economy, rebuild the tourism sector and assist tourism trade partners to reopen post COVID-19. As part of the Travel with Purpose Campaign, we have rolled out these workshops across all nine provinces.

​This UNESCO heritage site offers spectacularly scenic wilderness of immense geological importance. The Makhonjwa Mountains are a major drive for both domestic and international tourism and they take you on a journey into the mists of an impossibly distant past of more than three point five billion years.

​The Imbizo in the Gert Sibande District Municipality will provide a platform for the Minister, the executives from the province to engage with the community on the initiatives and opportunities that exist in the Tourism sector for the youth, women, people with disabilities and SMMEs.

​The Minister will engage with stakeholders to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism businesses in the area. She will also visit various tourist attractions to encourage the sector to comply with regulations as we set the country on a recovery trajectory and position ourselves as a unique destination of choice.

​The Minister will engage with stakeholders to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism businesses in the area. She will also visit various tourist attractions to encourage the sector to comply with regulations as we set the country on a recovery trajectory as the preferred destination of choice.

​Representing South Africa at the forum, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr Fish Mahlalela, welcomed delegates and reiterated that the South African Government places tourism high on its agenda for sustainable growth and job creation which is one of the eight interventions in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

​I am delighted to note that in this workshop you are going to robustly engage on the discussions and sharing information and the best practices on tourism recovery plans in addressing the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

​The Deputy Minister will visit various tourism establishments and interact with product owners in Madibeng and Moses Kotane Local Municipalities with the view of assessing how their businesses were affected by the pandemic and how all spheres of government can intervene by reviving them

​It is my distinct honour and privilege to address the virtual launch of this ground-breaking venture: a Tourism Equity Fund that will speed up transformation in one of the most crucial sectors of our economy.

​The Launch of the Tourism Equity Fund today will go a long way in meeting the developmental agenda of our country which is guided by the principles of empowerment, inclusivity and transformation, with the view of advancing economic opportunities to all.

​The Tourism Equity Fund is a dedicated fund that will provide a combination of debt finance and grant funding to facilitate equity acquisition as well as new project development in the tourism sector by black entrepreneurs.

​The fund is aimed at creating an inclusive and growing tourism sector by supporting entrepreneurship and investment on the supply side of the tourism sector. The fund will offer a combination of debt finance and grant funding for large capital investment projects in the tourism sector.

​Ms Mirriam Mmaditonki Setwaba was appointed Deputy Director-General: Tourism Sector Support Services at the Department of Tourism

​As we approach the festive season, Minister Kubayi-Ngubane will continue with her visits to various attractions and establishments, particularly in Eshowe with its abundant natural diversity, as part of a campaign to encourage people to explore their country while adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols.

​I want to thank you in advance for the generous donations that you are going to make tonight. Let us make it possible for the kids and the young people in our country to get the tools to be their own liberators. The two schools that are going to be the recipients of your generous donations are a site in which the great leaders, judges, chefs, engineers and CEOs of major institutions are being molded.

​This campaign not only seeks to showcase some of the country’s hidden gems, but will also go a long way in supporting the tourism sector’s revival following the devastating impact of COVID-19

We are here as Government to get our communities out of their houses, to visit areas of attraction that are within their Municipalities and Provinces. We believe that by word of mouth and using gadgets, we can create a circle of family friends where you share information on tourist attraction. One may then ask; how do we get out of the house now that we are in Alert Level 1?

​Our engagement takes place today under the theme: “An appropriately skilled tourism workforce offering excellent visitor experiences and contributing to the inclusive growth of the tourism economy in South Africa operating in the Covid-19 environment”

​Tourism Green Coast created 120 learnership opportunities in the environmental and sustainable tourism sectors for unemployed, previously disadvantaged youth between the ages of 18 and 35 living in Wild Coast communities.

​As the front-line professionals, information-givers and interpreters in the industry, tourist guides are a key component of the tourism value chain. With growing global environmental and health scares, tourist guides will also serve as important mediums for conveying vital messages that promote the goals of responsible tourism.

​​Themed “Tourist Guides – Contributors to Sustainable Tourism and Jobs,” the ITG celebrations will take stock of the contribution of the Guiding Profession in creating sustainable tourism economies and jobs.

​​The objective of the workshop is to encourage countries to utilise grading and classification systems to give consistency to the quality image of a sub-region; to meet the demand of the market; and to facilitate exchanges and rapprochement between sub-regional systems.

​“The sector has a skills gap in responsible tourism with limited skilled people to assist establishments to reduce energy, electricity and waste management.  The Tourism Resource Efficiency Training programme assists youth with these skills to support the sector to be sustainable,” said Deputy Minister Mahlalela. 

​​Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Fish Mahlalela, will officiate the certification ceremony of Mpumalanga learners who successfully completed the Department’s Tourism Resource Efficiency Training Programme.

​​The Department of Tourism in collaboration with Limpopo Department of Economic Development, and Tourism, and Waterberg District Municipality will be hosting a tourism information sharing session in Modimolle for Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME’s).

​​NELSPRUIT - Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. Fish Mahlalela today called on the tourism sector to double government’s initiatives to curb youth unemployment in the country.

​Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. Fish Mahlalela will officiate the graduation ceremony where two hundred and eighty nine (289) learners will receive CATHSSETA accredited National Certificates in Fast Food Services (NQF level 3). 

​Please note that the Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane's visit to the province of KwaZulu-Natal for a two-day programme in Newcastle has been postponed to a later date. This includes an engagement with tourism stakeholders and a visit to learners at Khethukuthula Secondary School as part of a back-to-school campaign.

Community beneficiation is at the heart of the National Rural Tourism Strategy, Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk said today. The Minister launched the National Rural Tourism Strategy and also unveiled phase 3 of the Donkey Cart Project in Wupperthal, Cederberg, in the Western Cape.

​The aim of the Department of Tourism and government is to safeguard the long-term prosperity of the tourism industry through sustainable development, giving special attention to training human resources in specifically tourism-orientated skills, which will ensure the professionalism of service performance.

​Training in hospitality can change the lives of young people forever, Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom told graduates in wine service today.

​The launch of a Donkey Tracking Route through the scenic Cederberg mountains has brought jobs and hope for the remote Western Cape community.

​Modern tourism’s success depends on, and is closely linked to skills development. In fact, they share a symbiotic relationship. These dynamics have turned tourism into a key driver for socio-‎economic progress.‎ It has subsequently been identified as one if the economic pillars.

​My dear graduates, I am so happy to be here with you today. I have been at a number of these graduations and it only serves to inspire me more.  When I look at you, I see the future of this beautiful democracy. I see our young people taking up the reigns and contributing to the growth of our economy. I see leaders in the making. I see the face of a new South Africa.

​Tourism Growth and Development will take centre stage when Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Tokozile Xasa, engages stakeholders and local communities in the Eastern Cape under the theme “Together we move South Africa forward” during the National Imbizo Focus Week from 30 November to 04 December 2015.

​Tourism Growth and Development will take centre stage when the Minister of Tourism, Mr Derek Hanekom, engages stakeholders and local communities in the Western Cape under the theme “Together we move South Africa forward” during the National Imbizo Focus Week from 30 November to 04 December 2015.

​Eden District Municipality celebrated the graduation of its Tourism Buddies programme, with a total of 232 learners from across the Eden region. The ceremony took place at the George Civic Centre, Western Cape in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Tokozile Xasa, George Speaker, Cllr Daniël Maritz, and Eden Acting Executive Mayor, Cllr Lionel Esau.

​Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms. Tokozile Xasa, will officiate over the ceremony where more than four hundred and eighty fifty (485) students will receive their CATHSSETA accredited National Certificate in Accommodation Services NQF Level 2, and National Certificate in Food and Beverages NQF level 4.

​Mkhanyakude District Municipality celebrated the graduation of its Tourism Buddies programme, with 146 learners receiving certificates of completion after 12 months of training.

​Tonight is about acknowledging and rewarding excellence. It is about identifying the best out of an impressive reservoir of excellence. Most importantly, tonight is about you. You have been selected as the best of the best.

​Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom has urged Northern Cape tourism business owners to join hands with the three spheres of government to grow tourism in the province.

​The baton for the National Tourism Careers Expo has been passed on to the Free State – the third of our provinces to host this prominent event for the next period of three years. Before this, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape have already helped us to mainstream tourism as a career of choice amongst the youth of South Africa by hosting successful Expos for the past 6 years.

​The Sand Du Plessis Theatre will be a place to be from the 01-03 October 2015. Some 10 000 learners, 750 educators, close to 500 unemployed graduates and tourism students will converge at the theatre for the National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) 2015 under the theme “Tourism: Alive with Opportunities”.

​The Department of Tourism in conjunction with the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (LEDET) and its marketing agency, the Limpopo Tourism Authority (LTA), celebrated World Tourism Day (WTD) on 25 September, in a ceremony inspired by the culture and heritage of Limpopo – under the localised tourism month theme – "A Million New Opportunities Await."

​The launch will highlight the expo as an interactive, not to be missed event for learners, educators and unemployed youth looking to start a career in the tourism and hospitality sector.

​"We have built these facilities to enhance this world heritage site. The Witsieshoek project is a perfect example of what can be achieved when government works hand in hand with the community to develop tourism in an inclusive and sustainable manner," said Hanekom.​

​The Department of Tourism in partnership with UNISA Graduate School for Business Leadership (UNISA SBL) hosted a breakfast session for the Executive Development Programme (EDP) for Women in Tourism on Friday, 22 July 2016. The EDP breakfast was a session where the tourism partners offered their support to 20 women who have been selected for the EDP pilot programme intake.

​South African Tourism (SAT) invites reputable members of the South African Tourism Industry to form part of the Adjudication Panel of The Lilizela Tourism Awards.

Minister Tokozile Xasa will host the annual Women in Tourism (WiT) Conference in Port Elizabeth themed: "Sustainable Tourism: A Tool for Radical Socio-Economic Development for Women". 

​Today is an auspicious and exciting day for the graduates as they are being recognised for completing the requirements of the course they signed up for and committed themselves to.  They are reaping the fruits of their hard work and efforts to qualify as skilled Chefs who are in high demand.

The Department of Tourism, through its Social Responsibility Implementation (SRI) Programme, will host graduation ceremony to honour students from the Free-State who participated in the Tourism Buddies Training progammme.  

Officials from the Department of Tourism will visit multiple sites across the country to interact with tourists and encourage Responsible and Safe tourism practices this holiday season.

Today more than 2000 from across the country assembled in what is dubbed as the biggest learner excursion in South Africa at the opening Ceremony of the 10th Edition of the National Tourism Career Expo.

​The event provides an opportunity for tourism curricula experts to share information with tourism educators, and for stakeholders within the sector to share information on a variety of careers the sector has to offer. It is designed to bridge the information gap between the industry, government, learners and educators.

​Themed: “Tourism and the Digital Transformation”. Premised on the 2018 United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) theme for World Tourism Day, the Public Lecture will explore the impact of digital transformation on the demand and supply of tourism services and products - with a particular focus on small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

​Deputy of Tourism Ms Elizabeth Thabethe together with Eastern Cape Premier, Phumulo Masualle visited the Cecil Makiwane Hospital, in East London Mdantsane to assess the impact of the nationwide youth hospitality skills initiative

​The Department of Tourism in collaboration with the North West Province will host a graduation ceremony to honour learners who participated in the National Food Safety Assurers Youth Training Programme.

​The Department of Tourism has established a fund to help black-owned enterprises to benefit from South Africa's growing tourism sector. Securing funding has been identified as a major obstacle to establishing new businesses and to growing existing tourism enterprises. Applications for funding are open until 31 August 2018.

​Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe will officially launch a Tourism Enterprise Development Business Incubator in Phalaborwa – Limpopo as part of a greater objective to grow and sustain SMMEs in the sector.

​Addressing guests and graduates at the ceremony, Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi- Ngubane appealed to the graduates to continue to actively participate in the opportunities presented by government to advance themselves, as we all strive to grow South Africa together.  

​​Minister of Tourism, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, will preside over a graduation ceremony to honour learners who successfully completed the National Youth Chefs Training Programme (NYCTP). 

​The Good Green Deeds Programme was launched earlier this year by President Cyril Ramaphosa and through this campaign Government seeks to highlight the importance of active citizenry in the protection of natural resources including tourism sites and the management of pollution

​Fifty eight graduates from the Eastern Cape and 35 graduates from the Western Cape received their qualifications as Chefs over the last week, with more provinces scheduled for November 2019 and January 2020.

​​​​JOHANNESBURG: The annual Lilizela Tourism Awards took place on Saturday, 09 November 2019, honouring excellence in South Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry - which drives the industry to levels of greatness through providing the highest standards of service excellence.

​​It is my pleasure to be here with you today, to witness this special occasion, the graduation ceremony of Tourism Monitors. Tourism is a key economic pillar and a significant generator of revenue and employment. Government’s recognition of the critical importance of tourism in the economy is evident in the sector’s inclusion as one of the priority areas in the National Development Plan .

​​​The objectives of the Tourism Monitors Programme is primarily the enhancement of tourism safety awareness at key tourism attractions and consequently reduce the number of criminal incidents that are directed against tourists, to eliminate opportunities for such crime and to integrate current tourism safety and awareness initiatives into sustainable programmes. 

​Our tourist attractions as a country can only do so much to attract tourists, however, the people of South Africa need to make a concerted effort to continually increase the levels of hospitality and friendliness, and the general level of service.

​The theme of this expo: “Broadening Your Horizons through Tourism Opportunities” is reflective of the skills revolution we are currently embarking upon as a country. Tourism is an industry capable of mass absorption of semi-skilled and skilled labour. 

​In celebration of Tourism Month, the Department of Tourism announces the opening of the final application window in the current budget cycle for the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF) and the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP). The application window is now open for a period of seven months until 31 March 2020. 

​This year National Tourism Career Expo's theme, "Broadening Your Horizons Through Tourism Opportunities" speaks directly to the expectations of World Tourism Organisation in their conceptualisation of international Tourism Month, of which in South Africa will be celebrated under the theme "Tourism and jobs - a better future for all"

Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe, will officiate the graduation ceremony in Bloemfontein where ninety one (91) learners will receive CATHSSETA accredited National Certificates in Food and Beverages Services (NQF level 4), and National Certificates in Accommodation Services (NQF Level 2).

​The objective of this three-year programme that targets 300 unemployed youth is to upskill and ensure that they are employable within the hospitality and wine industry.  Successful graduates will be equipped with theoretical and practical skills on the Wines of the World, Viticulture, Food and Wine Pairing, Bar-attendant skills training and customer care.  

KWAZULU-NATAL (KZN) - Deputy Minister of Tourism Ms. Elizabeth Thabethe will visit the Highgate Wine Estate in Lions River to oversee the practical training of the wine stewards who are participating in Department’s Wine Service Youth Training Programme.

​The Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, invites nominees to serve as members of the Tourism Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Charter Council for a period of three years. This invitation is extended to suitably qualified and experienced individuals from civil society, the tourism sector, small enterprises, academia, labour and youth. 

​The Department of Tourism’s Director-General (DG) Victor Tharage, led a senior multi-departmental government delegation to meet with tourism stakeholders around the Vilakazi Precinct, in order to develop a framework which seeks to address the challenges faced by these stakeholders, at the Uncle Tom’s Hall in Soweto this morning.

​A senior multi departmental government delegation team will on Wednesday 13 February 2019 host a stakeholder meeting with representative of business, tourism, residents and other interested and affected parties with the aim of addressing continuing challenges and recent developments in the Vilakazi Street tourism node in Soweto.

​Deputy Minister of Tourism Ms. Elizabeth Thabethe will host the 5th annual Women in Tourism (WiT) Conference in Rustenburg in the North West Province, 23-24 January 2019.