Tourism Minister calls for innovation to drive job creation

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has called on investors and all involved in the tourism sector to bring forward ideas, models and innovations to build tourism infrastructure that not only attracts visitors, but uplifts communities and creates jobs.

“The ground is fertile for shovel-ready infrastructure projects,” De Lille said.

In her opening remarks at the G20 Tourism Investment Summit, currently underway in the Western Cape, De Lille said tourism is not just about business, but livelihoods.

“This is about reshaping South Africa and positioning

Africa as a global tourism powerhouse,” De Lille said.

De Lille said through the Government of National Unity, government has demonstrated that policy shifts unlock growth.

“As of 1 June 2025, the Amended National Treasury Regulation 16 for Public-Private Partnerships came into effect. These changes allow us to embrace models from Design-Build Operate (DBO) partnerships to blended finance and even crowdfunding.

“And while PPPs [Public-Private Partnerships] are one option, the amendments introduced by treasury allow investors to provide us with innovative financing models. With the right mix, we can build infrastructure, create jobs and uplift communities all at once,” the Minister said.

The Minister also highlighted that tourism contributes at least 8.5% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product.

“In July alone, South Africa welcomed over 880 000 visitors, which is a 26% increase compared to last year. Behind these numbers are livelihoods, families and communities.

“According to UN Tourism, South African startups attracted over $39 million in venture capital between 2019 and 2024. This is more than half of the continent’s total in tourism solutions,” De Lille said.

De Lille said the UN Tourism will announce 100 scholarships aligned with demand-led skills development in the country.

“For tourism to thrive, our young people must have the skills the sector needs. Again, investors guide us on what the demand-led skills of the future are. What will be the skills that we need in the next 5 to 10 years. South Africa’s human capital is one of its strongest assets,” De Lille said.

De Lille said with 56% of the population under the age of 30 and an adult literacy rate of 95%, the country provides a broad and adaptable labour base.

“Supported by advanced universities and national skills development efforts such as those led by the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority [CATHSSETA], the tourism workforce is prepared for inclusive, service-oriented growth,” the Minister said.

De Lille said government is also unlocking access for more travellers to visit South Africa. 

“Following the launch of the Trusted Tour Operators Scheme in India and China, our Department of Home Affairs will soon, before the end of September, roll out the Electronic Travel Authorisation system. 

“This will digitalise and automate all short-stay visas, enabling secure and seamless travel for tourists across the globe. We are also broadening our offerings through sports tourism,” the Minister said.

South Africa’s tourism sector is a key pillar of economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP, employment and foreign direct investment.

The G20 Tourism Investment Summit is attended by global leaders, policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders to drive investment and develop a robust investment pipeline for South Africa’s tourism industry. – SAnews.gov.za