The Presidency launched the third phase of the South African Government-Business Partnership on August 20 with tourism identified as one of three new growth drivers alongside mining and agriculture and agro-processing.
The growth drivers are expected to create jobs and economic development through the government-business partnership. President Cyril Ramaphosa said the partnership is aiming to grow international tourism by 750 000 additional air arrivals by December 2027 alongside an additional R9 billion to R10 billion (US$562 million to US$624 million) contribution to GDP. Detailed metrics for each sector are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Three interventions were proposed by Ramaphosa:
- Improved air access opening additional direct routes with new and existing international carriers
- The newly launched Electronic Travel Authorisation system fully implemented by December 2027
- Destination marketing expansion in collaboration with private-sector stakeholders including SA Tourism, Brand South Africa and the TBCSA as well as key provinces to reach established and new source markets
The first phase of the partnership attracted significant business contributions:
- More than R250 million (US$15.6 million) in direct funding
- Over 350 experts deployed
- 57 companies contributed more than 9 000 hours of support to Eskom at power stations
- R700 million (US$43.7 million) invested across key transport corridors
- More than 500 security personnel deployed to Transnet Freight Rail
Unlike energy and logistics, much of the tourism sector is already privately operated. The partnership is therefore expected to focus on removing the constraints that limit tourism growth while creating conditions for further private-sector investment in air connectivity, accommodation, transport and other tourism services.
