The “#TrevorNoah Tourism Campaign For South Africa” is live. #VisitSouthAfrica

Few experiences capture the beauty of Cape Town quite like a trip to the top of Table Mountain. If a visit to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is on your travel plans this winter, take note that the Cableway will be closed for its annual maintenance shutdown from 27 July to 9 August 2026. The temporary closure allows for essential inspections, testing and maintenance work to be carried out, helping ensure the Cableway continues to operate according to international safety standards. The Cableway is expected to reopen on 10 August 2026, weather permitting. Read more here: buff.ly/ZAKeZXv #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #CapeTown #TableMountain #TBCSA

Cape Town's recent recognition as Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Major represents more than a milestone for sport. It is also a significant moment for tourism and destination development. The Abbott World Marathon Majors series includes some of the world's most recognised marathon events, such as Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo and Sydney. Cape Town now joins this prestigious global platform as the first host city on the African continent. According to the organisers, the achievement is expected to generate substantial economic benefits through increased visitor arrivals, travel, accommodation and tourism-related spending, reinforcing the important role that major events can play in supporting local economies and destination growth. The milestone also strengthens Cape Town's position as a globally recognised tourism destination and creates new opportunities to showcase South Africa to international audiences. Read more about Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Major: buff.ly/4hEnL2h #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #SportsTourism #TBCSA

What are the key priorities needed to grow demand, strengthen competitiveness and support sustainable tourism growth in South Africa? Taking place from 27- 28 October 2026 at Sun City Resort in the North West province, the TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference 2026 will bring together tourism businesses, associations, policymakers, academics, media and sector stakeholders from across the tourism value chain. As TBCSA marks 30 years of supporting South Africa's tourism private sector, this year's conference will explore the opportunities, challenges and practical actions required to strengthen the industry's competitiveness, sustainability and long-term growth. With more than 400 delegates expected to attend, the conference remains one of the sector's leading platforms for industry engagement, networking and collaboration. Visit the registration page for conference information, programme updates and early bird registration details. Register here: buff.ly/4zWZnzv #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA

As Bafana Bafana prepares for its opening FIFA World Cup fixture, the tournament also serves as a reminder of the important role major sporting events can play in supporting tourism growth and destination visibility. South Africa experienced this first-hand during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which showcased the country to millions of viewers around the world and helped strengthen awareness of South Africa as a tourism destination. Beyond the matches themselves, major sporting events can leave lasting tourism legacies through improved infrastructure, enhanced destination visibility and increased international visitor interest. The TBCSA wishes Bafana Bafana every success in their World Cup campaign and celebrates the important role that sport continues to play in connecting people, destinations and tourism opportunities around the world. Explore how hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup helped shape South Africa's tourism sector: buff.ly/NjxPIo6 #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA #FIFAWorldCup

Tourism is shaped by a wide range of experiences, businesses and ideas. Sometimes, the greatest impact comes not only from serving visitors, but from helping prepare the people who will one day lead the sector. As part of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa's Youth-Led Tourism Initiatives Competition, Andulela Suka of Arté was selected as one of the 2025 winners and received a complimentary experience to attend the TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference, at Sun City. Speaking at the conference, she shared the importance of creating opportunities for young people entering the tourism and hospitality sector. Through networking and industry engagement, her work helps connect students with professionals and expose them to the realities of the working world. Operating from the University of Johannesburg Arts Centre, Arté combines hospitality services with skills development opportunities for aspiring tourism and hospitality professionals, helping bridge the gap between education and employment. Watch the full interview to hear how Andulela is using hospitality as a platform for skills development and industry engagement: buff.ly/u5ICIch #Tourism #Travel #YouthMonth #TBCSA #SouthAfrica

The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector continues to play an important role in supporting tourism growth, investment attraction and economic activity across destinations. Topics such as destination competitiveness, revenue optimisation, business event attraction and the application of new technologies remain important considerations as destinations compete for a greater share of the global business events market. The upcoming Africa Business Tourism and MICE Masterclass, supported by industry stakeholders including the Southern Africa Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), a member association of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), will explore a range of topics shaping the future of business events across the continent. Read more here: buff.ly/8ia0oBm #Tourism #BusinessEvents #MICE #TBCSA #SouthAfrica

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) is inviting submissions for the 2026 Youth-Led Tourism Initiatives Competition, which recognises young people whose tourism initiatives are creating meaningful impact within the sector. Whether through entrepreneurship, community development, technology, skills development, destination promotion or innovative tourism experiences, the competition aims to highlight initiatives that contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of tourism in South Africa. Four standout initiatives will be recognised with a full complimentary experience at the TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference 2026. To enter, email your submission to media@tbcsa.travel with the subject line: Youth-Led Tourism Initiatives Competition Entry. Include your story in the body of the email and attach any supporting material that demonstrates the impact of your initiative. Only one submission is permitted per initiative. Entries close on 4 July 2026. Terms and conditions apply. #YouthInTourism #YouthMonth #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA

As South Africa's tourism sector looks to diversify its source markets, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is emerging as a promising opportunity for future growth. According to insights shared during a recent SATSA webinar, travellers from the GCC region are among the world's highest-spending outbound tourists. They are also increasingly seeking family-friendly holidays, luxury experiences, nature-based tourism and longer-stay destinations. These travel preferences align closely with South Africa's tourism offering, from wildlife and outdoor experiences to luxury accommodation and family travel options. Combined with improving air connectivity and competitive value-for-money experiences, this presents an opportunity for South Africa to attract a greater share of travellers from the region. Read more here: buff.ly/CuXDyXX #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA

Travellers have more ways than ever to discover destinations, experiences and tourism businesses. Alongside traditional marketing channels, AI-powered tools, search engines and digital assistants are becoming an increasingly important part of how people research and plan their journeys. Discussions at the last TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference explored how tourism competitiveness may increasingly depend on the quality of information available about destinations, experiences and tourism businesses. Beyond marketing, the sector is also considering the role of structured data, discoverability and digital intelligence in helping visitors find tourism products, while ensuring destinations and businesses remain visible in an increasingly AI-driven environment. Watch the presentation discussion here: buff.ly/X0uJk2l #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA #SouthAfrica

Visitor confidence remains an important part of the tourism experience, particularly in destinations that attract large volumes of leisure travellers throughout the year. Durban's beachfront safety initiative highlights the importance of coordinated efforts aimed at supporting visitor experiences across key tourism areas. In May, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), through the TOMSA Collaborative Fund, supported the rollout of resources for a dedicated coastal tourism policing initiative in partnership with eThekwini Municipality. The initiative is aimed at strengthening visible tourism safety and supporting frontline tourism operations along Durban's beachfront and tourism hotspots. This initiative is one example of how TOMSA funds are being applied to support tourism readiness, visitor experiences and destination competitiveness. Similar tourism-supporting projects are underway in destinations across South Africa. Watch more here: buff.ly/5t7JUJD #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA Video credit: DUrbanTV

Statistics South Africa’s March 2026 tourist accommodation release recorded a 14.1% year-on-year increase in accommodation income, supported by growth in stay unit nights sold across the sector. The figures also highlighted performance across guesthouses, guest-farms and other accommodation categories such as lodges, self-catering establishments and bed-and-breakfast accommodation. Explore the latest March 2026 tourist accommodation figures here: buff.ly/n8o1Xsj Hospitality and accommodation providers, what visitor or occupancy trends are you currently seeing in your business, and how are you positioning your offering within the tourism market? #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA

Youth Month in South Africa brings renewed focus to the role of young people in shaping the future of industries such as tourism, where innovation, entrepreneurship and new market ideas continue to influence sector growth. Through the TBCSA Youth-Led Tourism Initiatives Competition, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) creates opportunities for youth-owned tourism businesses to access industry platforms such as the TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference, connecting young entrepreneurs with broader tourism networks and sector stakeholders. At last year’s conference, Youth-Led Tourism Initiatives Competition winner Tshepo Happy Motsaapheko, founder of Culture Code, shared how the platform contributed to business credibility, visibility, and collaboration opportunities for his township tourism innovation. His work focuses on using technology to connect visitors with experiences in Soweto, helping position township communities as active participants within South Africa’s tourism ecosystem. Watch his conference experience here: buff.ly/76U7ATA #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA #YouthMonth

FEDHASA has published guidance for hospitality businesses on responding to guest, staff and partner enquiries related to the current Ebola outbreak reported in parts of Central and East Africa. The resource includes practical communication guidance, frequently asked questions and links to official public health information sources that may assist hospitality operators when addressing travel-related queries. Read more here: buff.ly/qJB8Mmi #Tourism #Hospitality #FEDHASA #SouthAfrica #Travel

South Africa’s latest monthly international tourism figures continue to highlight the importance of maintaining diversified growth across overseas source markets and strengthening long-term tourism competitiveness. While several overseas markets recorded positive year-on-year growth during April 2026, recovery across some traditional long-haul markets remained uneven when compared to 2019 tourism levels. For tourism businesses, evolving source market performance and international arrival patterns remain important indicators for destination marketing, trade partnerships, product positioning and long-term growth planning across the tourism value chain. Explore South Africa’s latest April 2026 international tourism figures here: buff.ly/zjQbht2 #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA

Recent figures from MSC Cruises’ 2025/2026 South African season continue to highlight evolving travel preferences across parts of the local tourism market, including growing interest in cruise travel among domestic travellers. The season welcomed more than 85 000 passengers across 37 sailings, with Gauteng identified as a strong source market, reflecting continued demand for accessible and experience-driven travel options among South African travellers. The data also reflected continued international interest in local cruise itineraries operating from South African ports. Beyond passenger movement, cruise activity continues to support a wider tourism ecosystem linked to ports, hospitality, transport, local suppliers and destination experiences. Read more here: buff.ly/7izrMd9 #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA

Cross border travel remains an important part of South Africa’s broader visitor economy, particularly across regional markets where road travel plays a major role in visitor movement. From 1 June 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) requires foreign registered vehicles to be declared on the SARS Traveller Management System before entering or leaving South Africa. The requirement forms part of SARS’ broader customs modernisation efforts and introduces mandatory electronic declarations for foreign registered vehicles travelling through South Africa’s ports of entry. Travellers are encouraged to complete the process online before arrival to assist with smoother border processing and compliance requirements. The update is particularly important for travellers entering South Africa with foreign registered vehicles, as well as transport operators, tourism businesses and travel facilitators involved in regional travel planning and visitor movement. Read more here: buff.ly/0XixoHd #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA

Registration for the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) Tourism Leadership Conference 2026 is officially open. Taking place from 27-28 October 2026 at Sun City Resort, North West province, the conference will bring together tourism businesses, associations, policymakers and sector stakeholders from across the industry. As South Africa’s tourism sector continues to navigate the changing market conditions, investment priorities and tourism competitiveness, the conference remains an important platform for industry engagement and strategic sector alignment. Register here: buff.ly/EGajeWV #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA

Long-term tourism growth depends not only on attracting visitors, but also on continued investment into destination readiness, tourism product development, skills development, and community participation across the sector. Initiatives such as the TOMSA Collaborative Fund help support projects that strengthen South Africa’s tourism ecosystem beyond traditional destination marketing efforts, including tourism development, sustainability, and capacity-building initiatives. Funded through the voluntary 1% TOMSA tourism levy contributed by participating tourism businesses, the Fund forms part of a broader private sector-led effort aimed at supporting tourism resilience, sector competitiveness, and long-term industry growth. Learn more about the TOMSA Collaborative Fund here: buff.ly/Qf78AE3 #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA #TOMSA

South Africa’s tourism sector continues to show positive momentum, but sustaining long-term growth will require continued focus on destination competitiveness, air connectivity and international market visibility. In a recent Business Day TV interview, Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa highlighted the importance of understanding changing global travel conditions, while continuing to position South Africa as a desirable and accessible tourism destination. The discussion highlighted the importance of strengthening airlift capacity, maintaining visibility within key international source markets and continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to support long-term tourism growth, destination competitiveness and overall visitor experience. Watch the interview here: buff.ly/DyU95rd #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA

As South Africa’s tourism sector continues focusing on long-term growth and competitiveness, the MICE segment remains one of the industry’s strongest drivers of year-round tourism activity beyond traditional peak travel periods. Insights presented by the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), a TBCSA member association, highlights how business events contribute far beyond conference venues, supporting air access, accommodation demand, SME participation, and investment across the entire tourism value chain. The data underscores the growing importance of destination positioning within the global business events market, where cities and regions increasingly compete on connectivity, venue capacity, safety, experience offerings, and destination readiness. Read the full presentation here: buff.ly/y9QiWSw What do you believe will become the biggest competitive advantage for destinations in South Africa that seek to attract future business events and conferences? #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA #SAACI