South Africa’s Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has invited public comment on the Draft Code of Good Practice for Short-Term Rentals, which has been gazetted.
The proposed code aims to support the development and promotion of sustainable tourism.
Local government authorities may also consider the code based on their local context, particularly where issues intersect with municipal planning, land use and zoning. The Tourism Act does not empower the minister to regulate short-term rentals.
“The Department of Tourism is in the process of reviewing the Tourism Act following Cabinet’s approval of the 2024 White Paper on the Development & Promotion of Tourism in South Africa. The review focuses on various aspects of the tourism sector, including policy gaps like short-term rentals. While this process is underway, I have resolved to find an interim solution that will guide short-term rentals, given the urgent need for guidance,” said De Lille.
The Department of Tourism has called on members of the public, industry stakeholders and organisations to submit written comments, which will be considered before the code is finalised and published. The deadline for submissions is May 12.
Written submissions should be delivered to the Department of Tourism by mail, in person or email:
- Department of Tourism, For attention: Senzo Nkala, Private Bag X424, Pretoria, 0001
- Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0001
- STRCodesofConduct@tourism.gov.za
