South Africa Prioritises Tourism Transformation and Safety for Long-Term Growth
Maggie Sotyu has reinforced South Africa’s push toward a more inclusive and secure tourism industry, positioning transformation and safety as key pillars of long-term tourism growth.
Speaking at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, Sotyu highlighted the importance of the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF) in empowering black-owned tourism enterprises and expanding participation across the sector. Since 2018, the fund has supported 41 projects with approximately R150.4 million in grants, helping stimulate entrepreneurship, job creation, and community development across multiple provinces.
The Deputy Minister stressed that tourism transformation is no longer just about representation, but about ownership, sustainability, and ensuring tourism revenues directly benefit local communities. During the event, five beneficiary projects were showcased as examples of innovation, resilience, and economic empowerment within South Africa’s tourism ecosystem.
Alongside transformation, Sotyu also emphasized tourism safety as a major priority during the TBCSA safety vehicles and uniforms handover event in Durban. She praised the collaboration between government authorities, law enforcement, and tourism stakeholders, noting that stronger safety measures are essential for improving visitor confidence and protecting tourism livelihoods.
B2B Take
For tour operators, DMCs, and international travel buyers, South Africa’s strategy signals a shift toward community-driven tourism growth backed by stronger destination safety. As travelers increasingly prioritise authentic experiences and secure destinations, South Africa is positioning itself as a more inclusive and competitive tourism market for the future.
