Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks in the 2026 State of the Nation Address, emphasizing tourism as a crucial driver of South Africa’s economic growth and job creation. She highlighted that with 10.5 million visitors recorded last year, the tourism sector is making a tangible impact on communities, sustaining jobs, and creating opportunities for small businesses and enterprises across all provinces.
Minister de Lille echoed the President’s call to promote South Africa’s unique cultural, historical, and natural attractions, stressing the importance of building a tourism offering that reflects the nation’s identity while spreading economic opportunities across urban and rural areas. She noted that local festivals, crafts, heritage sites, and natural landscapes in townships, rural areas, and small towns play a vital role in this strategy, showcasing South Africa’s richness to the world and ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach communities nationwide.
Tourism is included as one of the five key sectors in the Government of National Unity’s Growth and Inclusion Strategy (GAINS), which aims to accelerate economic growth through inclusive development, poverty alleviation, and a capable, ethical state. Minister de Lille also welcomed the President’s commitment to expanding the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to all visa-required countries, enabling digital visa applications within 24 hours. She noted that the full rollout of the ETA is expected to create between 80,000 to 100,000 jobs while strengthening South Africa’s competitiveness as a global destination.
The Minister reaffirmed the Department of Tourism’s commitment to continue collaborating with communities and the private sector through the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan. This plan aims to drive demand, attract further investment, and ensure that tourism continues to generate shared prosperity and sustainable economic benefits for all South Africans in the year ahead.
