From the editor
Dear Industry Partner,
It is exciting times for South Africa all round! South Africa continues to shine and show exceptionalism in various spheres. In this issue of Tourism Tuesdays, we wrap up Mandela Month and celebrate South Africa’s global achievements. We also look forward to Women’s Month in August
In this edition, we highlight and celebrate:
South Africa being listed in “CEO World Magazine’s Top Ten World’s Best Countries To Visit In Your Lifetime”
An acclaimed fashion designer’s museum being listed in Time Magazine's World’s Greatest Places to Visit.
The top global rankings of Cape Town and OR Tambo Airports.
The successes of South African artists Makhadzi and Tyla at the BET Awards earlier this month.
We also spotlight South Africa’s sports excellence, from Samkelo Cele’s NBA Summer League debut and Kgothatso Montjane’s Wimbledon win to Rachel Venniker making history as the first female jockey at the Durban July.
Additionally, we cover key aviation updates, including FlySafair's new JohannesburgKruger flights and Airlink's daily DurbanHarare service starting in August.
Lastly, we invite the tourism business owners and establishments in South Africa to register for Sho't Left Travel Week 2024 and boost domestic travel.
Enjoy the read!
Tourism Regards,
World’s Greatest Places to Visit and Stay in This Year!
Congratulations are in order for globally acclaimed South African fashion designer, Thebe Magugu, for clinching a great accolade and an all-important spot in Time Magazine's “World’s Greatest Places to visit and stay in this year” for the Magugu House which opened earlier this year in Johannesburg
The new retail space and showroom is located in a 1930s heritage building in the leafy suburb of Dunkeld. To compile the 2024 list, TIME magazine solicited nominations of places including hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks, and more from its international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as through an application process, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences.
While last year's list featured 50 cities,
this year TIME Magazine decided to explore even more and more specific establishments that stand out in their field, and the world. The result: 100 extraordinary destinations to visit and stay this year
South Africa listed in this year’s CEO World Magazine’s Top Ten World’s Best Countries to Visit in Your Lifetime
CEOWORLD magazine has compiled a list of the best countries to visit in your lifetime and South Africa features in the top ten.
The rankings are based on feedback from over 295,000 readers, making it the highest level of participation in the magazine’s history.
CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY
Aviation News
From international accolades to expanded routes, the South African aviation sector, soared to new heights this month announcing new exciting developments.
FlySafair Launches Direct Johannesburg-Kruger National Park Flights
FlySafair announced a new route connecting Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit, starting August 2nd, 2024. This twice-weekly service, with fares from R950 one-way, follows the airline's Cape TownNelspruit route launched in April.
The new route aims to enhance access to the Kruger National Park for both local and international tourists. It also benefits FlySafair's interline partners, including major international airlines, by facilitating seamless connections.
Kirby Gordon, FlySafair's Chief Marketing Officer, emphasised the route's importance in supporting South Africa's growing tourism sector. "This route is not only good business sense for us as an airline, but also yet another way FlySafair is demonstrating our continued commitment to playing our part in building our country's critical travel and tourism sector "
Airlink's Daily Flights Connect Durban andHararefromAugust
Airlinkannouncedasignificantboosttoits Durban-Harareroute.Startingonthe7thof August 2024, the airline will offer daily return flights between the two cities, enhancingconnectivityandconveniencefor travellers.
The expanded schedule introduces additional Wednesday flights, complementing the existing service The new flight will depart Durban's King Shaka International Airport at 10:30 am, arriving at Harare's Robert Mugabe International Airportat12:40pm.Thereturnservicewill leaveHarareat1:20pm,landinginDurban at3:35pm.
Rodger Foster, Airlink CEO and Managing Director explained the decision: "We are goingdailyontherouteinresponsetoour customers' positive reaction to the convenience and great value of our direct service. This appealing combination promotes business, trade, tourism and travel between the two key cities and enhances the economic competitiveness of theregionstheysupport"
Airlink's flight schedules are designed to provide convenient connections with other domestic and regional services, as well as long-haul flights offered by their global airline partners. This expansion underscores Airlink's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and supporting economic growth in Southern Africa.
*CourtesyofAirlink
4Z 410 1,2,3*,4,5, 6,7
4Z 411 1,2,3*,4,5, 6,7 ERJ140 HRE 13:20
OR Tambo and Cape Town Airports Ranked Among World’s
Best
OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) and Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) have achieved remarkable success in the 2024 AirHelp Score global airport rankings. CTIA secured second place globally, while ORTIA ranked sixth among 239 airports worldwide
AirHelp's rankings, based on factors like ontime performance, passenger satisfaction, and amenities, were compiled from over 17,000 passenger surveys conducted between May 2023 and April 2024.
This recognition reflects South Africa's ability to provide world-class aviation facilities and services, despite recent industry challenges. It also serves as motivation for continued improvement and maintaining high standards in the country's aviation sector.
The success of ORTIA and CTIA demonstrates South Africa's competitiveness in global airport management and positions these airports as premier facilities for both domestic and international travellers.
South African Tourism UK Hub Shines at Experience Africa 2024
South African Tourism United Kingdom (UK) hub headlined Experience Africa, a major industry event in London from 1-3 July 2024, supporting 87 South African exhibitors
With 602 attendees from 37 countries, including 266 buyers mainly from the UK, the event featured 7,480 appointments, celebrating African travel and tourism
South African Tourism UK hub also hosted a lively networking event with Zulu dancers and a South African DJ, fostering new connections and showcasing SA culture
Experience Africa, organised by ATTA, is a key initiative promoting African destinations globally.
Before the event, SA Tourism and Travel
Bulletin trained 188 agents in Cork, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Reading. After the event, intimate dinners connected tour operator sales staff with South African products
Experience Africa returns in June 2025.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR EXPERIENCE AFRICA
South African Tourism North America Hub Joins UN
Mission to Commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day
Team North America joined His Excellency, Ms. Mathu Joyini, the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations (UN) in New York and a delegation of about 80 volunteers from the UN including dignitaries, staff, and additional members of the consular and diplomatic community to participate in a Nelson Mandela International Day Service Project focused on the restoration of an area called Volunteer Hill.
The delegation worked to remove invasive plants that had taken over the area to improve the health of the plants and establish new growth, while protecting the many apple trees that top this location.
The event was co-organised by: New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs,
UN Department for Global Communications, Office of the President of the UN General Assembly and the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the UN, in partnership with the Randall’s Park Alliance to inspire change by devoting at least 67 minutes to community service on 18 July paying tribute to the 67 years that Nelson Mandela devoted to public service.
For travellers wishing to explore the legacy of Nelson Mandela, there are numerous Madiba-inspired tourist attractions and sites of memory throughout South Africa. These include Robben Island, Mandela House Museum and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, among others.
Register Now: Sho’t Left Travel Week 2024 - Boost
Attention Travel and Tourism Businesses: Sho't Left Travel Week 2024 is approaching Showcase your travel deals and attract more domestic travellers with discounts up to 50%.
Research indicates that South Africans are looking for affordable and accessible travel deals and that makes the Sho’t Left Travel Week a highly anticipated travel sale!
Running from 2 to 8 September 2024, the annual Sho’t Left Travel Week is a unique occasion for South Africa’s tourism industry to maximise tourism success with exclusive and unbeatable travel deals.
Who Can Register?
All travel and tourism trade members (accommodation, airlines, car rentals,
museums, restaurants, events, activities, etc ) and the registration is for free
Number of Deals: Unlimited. Add, edit, or remove deals until 25 August 2024.
So, register now for Sho’t Left Travel Week 2024 today.
This powerful platform with a strategically targeted, multi-channel marketing plan also optimises market exposure for local tourism businesses and generates excitement around the best local deals in every province.
Last year, Sho’t Left Travel Week saw almost 10 000 booking leads generated for the industry By registering this year, you will help the many South Africans who are still eager to find their perfect Sho’t Left deal and explore their country
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Register Now for the 3rd Annual TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference: “Tourism Matters”
Registration is open for the third annual Tourism Business Council of South Africa Tourism Leadership Conference, which will take place from 18th to 20th September at the Sun City Resort, North West province Coinciding with Tourism Month and the beginning of spring, the conference will be held under the theme “Tourism Matters.”
This theme aims to highlight the significant contribution of the tourism sector to South Africa’s economy, not only as a stand-alone industry but also as one that feeds into many other sectors that keep the country’s engine running
Attendees can expect a dynamic programme featuring insightful keynote speakers, engaging discussions, and interactive sessions These will focus on finding
solutions to ensure the tourism sector remains sustainable and competitive The conference will bring together the private and public sectors, academia, and media practitioners to share knowledge and strategies for helping South Africa achieve its goal of 15 6 million tourist arrivals by 2030.
Key topics include:
Visas and how they drive increased arrivals to South Africa
Tourism safety
The working relationship between the private and public sectors for the benefit of tourism
The sustainability of SMMEs in the tourism sector
Improving the marketing of Destination South Africa
Additionally, the conference aims to explore more topics through a series of video shorts, highlighting the economic contribution of various sectors within the tourism economy.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
SAACI National Annual Congress 2024: Beyond Events
The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) National Annual Congress 2024 began on Sunday, 28th July, and concludes today, 30th July. Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, delivered the keynote address at the opening on Sunday Under the captivating theme “Beyond Events,” this congress explored innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking strategies within the events industry.
The programme included insightful keynote speakers, engaging discussions, and interactive sessions designed to push boundaries and explore new horizons in the world of events
With a strong emphasis on collaborations and partnerships, the SAACI congress aimed to collectively chart a course towards the South African business events sector growth.
Amapiano Africa Summit Showcases South Africa’s Cultural Influence and
Economic Potential
From the 18th – 20th July 2024 South African Tourism participated at the Amapiano Africa Summit hosted in Newtown, Johannesburg. This landmark event brought together industry leaders, artists, and enthusiasts from across the globe, fostering international collaborations and generating significant media attention. The summit served as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, highlighting the rich heritage and contemporary creativity of South African music
South African Tourism's active participation was a key highlight, successfully illustrating the genre's potential to boost international and local tourism while stimulating economic growth. This further underscored the importance of preserving and promoting South African arts and culture, emphasizing Amapiano's role in shaping the future of our nation's cultural landscape.
The event also positioned South Africa firmly on the global cultural map.
South Africa Shines on the International Stage at the BET Awards
South Africa's Musical Powerhouses: Tyla and Makhadzi Win Three BET Awards.
South African talent continues to shine on the global stage! Earlier this month, Tyla and Makhadzi made history at the 2024 BET Awards in Los Angeles. They collectively won three awards, showcasing their incredible talent internationally.
Tyla, a 22-year-old Afrobeats sensation, won Best New Artist and Best International Act. She wowed the audience with a spectacular performance of her hit song "Jump," featuring Africaninspired staging. In her acceptance speech, Tyla dedicated her awards to Africa and past African superstars who didn't have similar opportunities.
Makhadzi, from the Limpopo province, won the Viewer's Choice: Best New International Act award on her birthday Overwhelmed with emotion, she expressed her gratitude and emphasised that "a black child can make it."
These wins are significant achievements for South African music. The success of these artists at the BET Awards, following Tyla's recent Grammy win, demonstrates the growing international recognition of South African talent.
South Africa’s Sports Excellence
Earlier this month South Africa made a strong global sports impact, showcasing exceptional talent across various disciplines. Here are some standout moments:
Rachel Venniker Makes History at Durban July
On 6 July, Rachel Venniker became the first female jockey to race in the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Despite finishing 11th, her participation is a milestone for gender equality in South African horse racing. Venniker, who won the Invest Saudi International Jockey's Challenge earlier this year, is a trailblazer in the sport.
Samkelo Cele Shines at NBA Summer League
South African basketball star Samkelo Cele, from the Cape Town Tigers, joined the New York Knicks for the NBA Summer League. Cele’s standout performances in the Basketball Africa League caught the attention of NBA scouts, marking a significant step for South African basketball.
Kgothatso Montjane Won Wimbledon Wheelchair Doubles
South African tennis player Kgothatso Montjane, alongside Japan’s Yui Kamiji, won the women’s wheelchair doubles title at Wimbledon on 14 July. This victory adds to her impressive list of achievements and highlights her remarkable journey and resilience in the sport.
Good Luck to Team South Africa at the 2024 Paris Olympics!
The Paris Olympic Games, which began on 24 July and will conclude on 11 August 2024, showcase the pinnacle of athletic excellence. Team South Africa is already on a winning streak proudly representing our beautiful nation on this global stage.
To the team, South Africa stands behind you with pride and unwavering support.
Go for gold and make us proud!
TGCSA CORNER
TOURISM GRADING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA
TGCSA Assessor Conference
The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) hosted its annual Assessors Conference from 28 June to 1 July 2024, at Sun City in North West Province.
The TGCSA is instrumental in enhancing the hospitality sector and positioning South Africa as a top global tourism destination. By adhering to the TGCSA grading system, hospitality businesses showcase their dedication to quality, sustainability, and the advancement of South Africa's tourism industry
Some of the conference objectives:
Explore Key Trends: Understand emerging trends associated with the tourism grading to gain insights that will help to improve and strengthen the SA tourism grading system.
Empower Assessors: Motivate and equip TGCSA Assessors and team members with essential tools and skills to increase the number of graded establishments.
Collaborate with Stakeholders: Work with industry partners to review and update grading criteria and systems, focusing on increasing the representation of women, youth, and black-owned businesses among graded establishments.
FEATURED TOURISM EXPERIENCE
Exploring Mandela’s Roots: An Immersive Journey through His
Location: Eastern Cape Province
Early Years
In commemoration of Mandela month, Imonti Tours started a unique chance to explore late and world-renowned South African President Nelson Mandela's early life through their Nelson Mandela Early Childhood Tour. This full-day tour takes participants to significant historical sites in the Eastern Cape, including Mandela's childhood villages of Qunu, Mvezo, and Mqhekezweni. Highlights include visits to the Nelson Mandela Museum and the fields where he once herded livestock. The tour will continue beyond Mandela Month and is open to the public.
This full-day tour provides an intimate look at the places and experiences that shaped Mandela's extraordinary life
Participants get to gain deeper insights into Mandela’s formative years and the environments that influenced his journey towards becoming a global icon for justice and equality
Velile Ndlumbini, owner of Imonti Tours, reflects on the tour's impact: "Drawing inspiration from Mandela’s early life is about walking through history; it’s about understanding the foundations of his courage and resilience. This tour is very popular as more people seek to connect with Mandela’s legacy on a personal level."
This tour not only educates but also inspires visitors to uphold his legacy of resilience, equality, and justice. The knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with captivating stories and historical context, making the past come
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION alive for every visitor.
Mandela Day is celebrated globally on the 18th of July and is dedicated as a time for reflection and action, inspired by the values Mandela championed during his time.
FEATURED TOURISM EXPERIENCE
Nokrismes Homestay: A Heartfelt Welcome in Madiba’s Village
Location: Qunu, Eastern Cape Province
Nestled in the historic village of Qunu, Nokrismes Homestay offers an authentic glimpse into the world of Nelson Mandela. This charming homestay, run by Nokrismesi and her husband Zimisele Gamakhulu, provides visitors with a warm welcome and a taste of traditional South African hospitality.
Just a stone’s throw from Mandela's childhood home, guests can enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals reminiscent of festive family gatherings. Nokrismesi, a self-taught cook, delights visitors with dishes that echo the flavors of her upbringing.
Zimisele, a knowledgeable tour guide, enriches the experience with tales of Mandela's early years, sharing
lesser-known anecdotes that bring Madiba's story to life. His pride in the village and its history is palpable, offering a unique perspective on the revered leader's humble beginnings.
Nokrismes Homestay provides comfortable accommodation and serves as a living museum, where every meal and story weaves a deeper connection to South Africa’s rich cultural heritage
This homestay is a testament to the enduring spirit of community and tradition, making it a must-visit for those seeking to understand the roots of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
For more information and to book your stay, contact Nokrismes on +27 828588120.
In next month’s edition, we will celebrate Women's Month as we mark 30 years of democracy in advancing women's development.
