GAUTENG - South Africa proudly joined the global community to celebrate World Tourism Day (WTD) with a celebration at the revamped People's Park in the Constitution Hill precinct, Johannesburg.
World Tourism Day is a United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) initiative observed annually on 27 September to highlight the sector's contribution to the socio–economic development of nations, and the advancement of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Led by the Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia de Lille, the WTD celebration brought together government leaders, tourism industry players, community representatives, and youth under the UN Tourism theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation," to reaffirm the country's commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive tourism sector.
“It is a profound honour to celebrate World Tourism Day 2025 at Constitution Hill People's Park. This is not just a venue, but a place of memory and freedom. A reminder that democracy is not only about the rights we enjoy, but about the opportunities we create."
“The Department of Tourism has allocated R12 million to the development of this park. The Constitution Hill Precinct Development Plan designates the park as homage to the Constitutional Court in much the same way as the gardens in front of the Union Buildings," Minister De Lille said.
The WTD theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation," highlights the importance of positioning tourism as a catalyst for change. Tourism plays a significant role in creating environments that support innovation, transformation, and sustainable tourism communities, thus contributing to addressing the socio-economic challenges that impact global societies.
“This year's theme, 'Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,' is more than a slogan. It is a global imperative. But we must give meaning to this buzzword: 'sustainable or sustainability'. Sustainable transformation means that tourism's benefits must be shared widely. From our villages and townships to our metros and coastal hubs," the Minister stated.
South Africa's WTD celebrations were hosted in partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government, its tourism marketing authority, South African Tourism, and key tourism stakeholders. Speaking at the event, Gauteng MEC of Economic Development, Finance and Tourism, Mr Lebogang Maile reaffirmed the province's commitment to grow tourism through world-class events.
“Gauteng is ready to lead South Africa and Africa's entry into the global events circuit. We are actively positioning the province through the active participation, support and investment by the private sector to host world-class spectacles such as Formula One, the Joburg Tennis Open, the World Universities Festival, Intra-Regional Trade and Investment Fairs and consistent Sports Entertainment and Lifestyle quality global events," the Gauteng MEC said.
Deputy Chief Justice, Mr Dunstan Mlambo emphasised that it was poignant for the judiciary that WTD was celebrated at Constitution Hill, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“Looking at Constitution Hill, once a prison that held leaders like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, we are reminded of how far South Africa has come. As we mark Tourism Day under the theme, 'Tourism and Sustainable Transformation', we must recognise that tourism is a catalyst with the power to transform societies," Deputy Chief Justice Mlambo stated.
The 2025 WTD celebration carries additional significance as it follows shortly after South Africa's successful hosting of the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting in Mpumalanga. The event culminated in the signing of the historic G20 Tourism Declaration, reaffirming South Africa's leadership in advancing tourism development while strengthening international collaboration.
The WTD Celebrations at Constitution Hill highlighted tourism as a cornerstone of growth and transformation, reinforcing the message that sustainable tourism is not just about preserving heritage and protecting the environment; it is about transforming lives, empowering communities, and building a future where no one is left behind.
ENDS
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Media Queries:
Aldrin Sampear
Spokesperson for the Minister of Tourism
Email: asampear@tourism.gov.za
Mobile: 067 138 3487