Tourism Business Council of South Africa

23/09/2026

Domestic tourism remains an important foundation of South Africa’s tourism economy. In the first half of 2026, South Africans took 21.2 million overnight trips, while holiday trips grew by 36% compared with the same period last year.

While demand for domestic travel remains evident, South African Tourism’s latest quarterly data shows that affordability is shaping how people travel. In Q2 2026, holiday trips increased, but stays became shorter and average holiday spend declined as rising travel costs placed pressure on household budgets.

Against this backdrop, more affordable and accessible travel options could help sustain domestic demand while creating greater opportunities for visitor spend across accommodation, attractions, restaurants and other tourism businesses. Read more: https://www.publicsectormanager.gov.za/september-2026/features-opinions/south-africa-rediscovered-one-screen-scroll-time

South Africa rediscovered: One screen scroll at a time Writer: Phathu Luvhengo, Department of Tourism | Photo: Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille wants South Africans exploring their own backyard this September, and she is betting AI and social media will get them there.That is how Tourism Minister....

22/09/2026

At the TBCSA 2026 Women’s Day Celebration, Dr Tanya Abrahamse was honoured with the TBCSA Legacy Recognition Award for her leadership and contribution to South Africa’s tourism industry.

A former Executive Director of TBCSA and former Chairperson of the South African Tourism Board, Dr Abrahamse has spent decades working across tourism, government, and development.

Her advice to the next generation is grounded in confidence, adaptability and building trusted networks that support growth and leadership.

“First and foremost, you have to develop a winning spirit. Be confident and bold. And how does that happen? Teach yourself to continually adapt to new situations, create a network of people who trust you and help you develop a vision.”

22/09/2026

Tourism representatives gathered in Clarens on Friday, 18 September, for an Eastern Free State stakeholder engagement hosted by South African Tourism in partnership with the TBCSA and other sector partners.

The engagement brought industry and destination voices together around growing tourism in the region. Public-private collaboration remains important in supporting local tourism businesses, improving destination competitiveness and broadening participation in the tourism economy.

The Eastern Free State offers a diverse mix of attractions, from Clarens and the dramatic landscapes of Golden Gate Highlands National Park - to a vibrant arts and culture scene, outdoor adventure, and distinctive small-town experiences.

21/09/2026

Following the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated that South Africa is keen to restore direct flights between South Africa and India as the two countries look to deepen economic cooperation.

India remains an important long-term opportunity for South African tourism, supported by a growing middle class, rising disposable income and an expanding outbound travel market. Improving air access is one of several measures, alongside easier visa access, stronger travel trade partnerships and relevant destination experiences, that could help South Africa compete more effectively for this market.

The President’s comments add further weight to ongoing efforts to strengthen connectivity with India and unlock future tourism growth. Read more: https://presidency.gov.za/node/10401

18/09/2026

In destination marketing, visibility is only the beginning. The real measure is what happens next.

At a recent Learning Lounge hosted by the City of Cape Town’s Tourism and Place Marketing Branch in collaboration with Meta, tourism operators and industry experts explored how digital technologies and AI are changing the way destinations market themselves and connect with travellers.

The City’s international campaign: “This Is Cape Town”, has generated 250 million impressions across Meta platforms, reaching 55 cities on six continents.

Ultimately, the objective is to turn that visibility into action, from clicks and bookings to actual visits and spend in the destination. Read more from the Learning Lounge session: https://buff.ly/4IMkYXJ

18/09/2026

We are pleased to welcome MSC Cruises as one of the sponsors of the 2026 TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference, taking place from 27–28 October at Sun City Resort.

A TBCSA corporate member and a leading global cruise brand, MSC Cruises has an established presence in South Africa and forms part of the broader travel and tourism value chain.

We appreciate MSC Cruises’ continued support as the tourism industry comes together at this year’s conference to engage on the priorities and opportunities shaping the future of South African tourism.

Explore the conference programme and complete your registration: https://tbcsa.travel/conference26/

17/09/2026

According to IATA’s latest data, global air passenger demand grew by just 0.2% year-on-year in July 2026. African airlines, however, recorded 6.4% growth in international passenger demand while adding 9.0% more capacity.

What could these shifts mean for tourism across Africa?

At the 2026 TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference, Negar Rezvany, Economist, Industry Analysis Specialist at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), will provide a global tourism outlook from an aviation perspective, examining passenger demand, travel flows and the role of air connectivity in tourism growth and competitiveness.

Hear the outlook first-hand at Sun City Resort, 27–28 October 2026. Register here: https://tbcsa.travel/conference26/

16/09/2026

The Small Business Institute (SBI) will host its SME Tourism Indaba 2026 on 23 September, bringing together tourism entrepreneurs, business chambers and other stakeholders in Somerset West, Cape Town.

Under the theme “Tourism unfiltered: the conversation that matters,” the programme will explore what needs to change to enable tourism SMEs to start, operate and grow, with panel discussions on growth and jobs, the future of the sector and the role different stakeholders can play.

The Indaba takes place from 09h00–15h00 at the Lord Charles Hotel. Registration is open. Find out more about the programme and book your seat: https://www.smallbusinessinstitute.co.za/2026/08/27/sbi-sme-tourism-indaba-2026/

16/09/2026

As technology changes how travellers research, plan and book trips, it raises an important question for the travel trade: where does human expertise add the greatest value in an increasingly digital journey?

At the TBCSA’s recent Women’s Month event, Vanya Lessing, former CEO & President of the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA), reflected on the role travel agents can continue to play in South Africa’s tourism economy.

Vanya said: “Travel agents are an important part of South Africa’s tourism economy and can be a great entry point for people looking to build a career in the sector.”

How do you see the changing tourism landscape shaping careers across the sector? Share your thoughts in the comments.

15/09/2026

South Africa may not need to reinvent its tourism story. International visitors are already responding positively to what the destination offers.

Data Appeal’s analysis of travellers from 56 countries recorded an overall sentiment score of 85.6 between February and August 2026, with particularly strong responses to attractions and food & beverage experiences. The findings suggest that South Africa’s core tourism strengths continue to resonate with international visitors.

As the sector looks for its next phase of growth, the question is not only what South Africa develops next, but how effectively visitors are connected to the depth of experiences that already exist across the country.

At destination level, the analysis also highlights strong visitor sentiment in Jeffreys Bay and Limpopo, while Kimberley and East London recorded notable increases. Read more: https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/corporate/press/this-is-what-international-travellers-love-about-south-africa

International travellers are showing a strong interest in South Africa’s attractions, food, hospitality, and unique atmosphere. This gives the tourism industry a solid foundation as momentum builds into 2026. It is always meaningful to hear what visitors say after their trip, not what they expecte...