South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has officially launched the country’s annual Tourism Month campaign ahead of its commencement on 1 September. Speaking in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Minister de Lille underscored the role of tourism in supporting the national economy and encouraged more South Africans to travel domestically. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, highlights efforts to drive inclusive growth and responsible travel.
Now in its 28th year, Tourism Month promotes awareness of the sector’s potential for sustainable development and job creation. The campaign will culminate in World Tourism Day celebrations on 27 September in the Eastern Cape, where the first Tourism Month was launched in 2007 at the Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu. The 2025 launch event took place at Sakhumzi Restaurant in Parkview, reflecting ongoing support for local tourism businesses.
