NEWS

SA Tourism welcomes Minister Patricia De Lille’s re-appointment

South African Tourism (SA Tourism) extends heartfelt congratulations to Minister Patricia De Lille on her reappointment as Minister of Tourism, and to Maggie Sotyu on her appointment as Deputy Minister of Tourism, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of the National Executive for the seventh administration

Nmission to increase travel to and within South Africa, thereby contributing to inclusive economic growth.”

Ms Guliwe emphasised that, with international tourism expected to fully recover in 2024 — driven by strong demand, enhanced air connectivity, and the continued recovery of China and other major Asian markets, SA Tourism looks forward to working with Minister De Lille, to create an enabling environment for the sector’s growth through collaboration with various stakeholders.

“Our country boasts natural beauty, rich culture, stunning landscapes, an incredible array of tourism offerings, warm hospitality, and quality-assured facilities and establishments.”

International tourist arrivals from January to April 2024 totalled 3.2 million, representing an 11.1 per cent increase when compared with the same period in 2023.

Ms Guliwe also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela.

“I would like to extend my thanks to Amos Fish Mahlalela for his leadership during his term as Deputy Minister of Tourism. As a destination marketing organisation, we greatly benefited from his support in growing our Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, also known as business events. Mr Mahlalela also spearheaded the efforts of The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA), the custodians of our nation’s quality assurance and service excellence,” Ms Guliwe concluded.