Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has issued a compelling call to global investors to tap into South Africa’s “immense tourism potential,” aiming to transform the sector into a catalyst for job creation, economic growth, and inclusive development. Addressing the inaugural G20 Tourism Investment Summit in Cape Town on Wednesday, De Lille unveiled eight flagship projects poised to attract nearly R1 billion in investment.
Among these promising ventures is the God’s Window Skywalk in Mpumalanga, which seeks R200 million in funding, and the Hole in the Wall Resort in the Eastern Cape, requiring R141 million. “These are projects from both the public and private sector, with strong return on investment and high community impact. And this is just a fraction of what lies in our national pipeline, which is rich, diverse, and growing,” De Lille remarked, accentuating South Africa’s position as not only a nation with significant tourism potential but also as a gateway to the African continent.
Under the theme ‘G20 Tourism Investment for Jobs, Growth and Transformation’, De Lille emphasised that the initiative transcends business alone. “This is about livelihoods. This is about reshaping South Africa and positioning Africa as a global tourism powerhouse,” she stated, elucidating the necessity for regional collaboration, enabling policies, and smart infrastructure to achieve these ambitious objectives.
Highlighting recent reforms, De Lille pointed to new regulations on public-private partnerships that facilitate flexible financing options, including Design-Build-Operate partnerships and crowdfunding initiatives aimed at unlocking infrastructure growth. “I call on you, our investors in this room and those joining us online, to bring forward your ideas, your models, and your innovations. Let us build tourism infrastructure that not only attracts visitors but uplifts communities and creates jobs,” she urged.
In addition to enhancing investment opportunities, De Lille welcomed the launch of UN Tourism’s “Doing Business in South Africa Guidelines”, designed to instil confidence in investors. Furthermore, the introduction of 100 new scholarships will equip South Africa’s youth with essential, demand-driven tourism skills.
Significantly, tourism currently contributes 8.5% to South Africa’s GDP, with a notable rise in visitor numbers—over 880,000 recorded in July alone, marking a 26% increase year-on-year. “Behind these numbers are livelihoods, families, and communities,” De Lille emphasised, showcasing the sector’s vital role in the economy.
The private sector is responding positively, evidenced by major developments like the V&A Waterfront’s R20 billion Granger Bay precinct and ClubMed’s multi-billion-rand resort in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa is also aggressively pursuing opportunities in sports tourism, including bids for Formula 1 rights at Kyalami, the hosting of the LIV Golf tournament in 2026, and preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2027.
To enhance accessibility, De Lille announced that the Department of Home Affairs plans to roll out the Electronic Travel Authorisation system by the end of September. This new system will digitalise and automate all short-stay visas, facilitating secure and seamless travel for tourists worldwide.
As part of its G20 commitments, South Africa will champion initiatives focusing on AI innovation, tourism financing, resilience, and improved air connectivity. “South Africa is a nation at work, and we are about action,” De Lille asserted, concluding her address with a rallying cry for partnership. “Together, we can deliver a bold new chapter in tourism investment — for our country, for Africa, and for the world.”