South Africa retained its rank as the leading tourist economy in the African continent. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) data showed that the tourism industry provides 1.5 million jobs in South Africa and it generates about 425.8 billion ZAR for the country's economy which is 8.6 percent of all Economic activities in South Africa. The data is included on WTTC's annual review of the economic impact and social importance of the sector.
WTTC represents the global private sector of travel and tourism for over 25 years. The council compares Travel & Tourism of not less than 185 countries.
Leisure travelers who make up 64 percent of visitors in the country drive the tourism economy in South Africa. The business travelers visiting the country amount to 37 percent of inbound arrivals. The report also showed that tourism in South Africa is roughly balanced between international tourism at 44 percent and domestic tourism at 56 percent.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC president, and CEO said that travel and tourism contribute more to the South Africa economy than in any other African country. Guevarra described the tourism industry as a formidable part of the South African economy. He also said that South Africa has long grasped the potential of travel and tourism to drive economic growth, create jobs and promote social development.
Last year, reports circulated that one of the most popular destinations in the country, Cape Town, might run out of water due to climate change and prolonged drought. Tourism in the country continued to prosper despite the widespread panic that the reports have brought. Quarts Africa reported that the city relaxed restrictions on water use by residents and businesses at the beginning of December.
Africa Renewal Online reported the statement of South Africa's national tourism marketing body South Africa Tourism that said that the drought-related water challenges might actually help establish the country as a global leader in sustainable tourism practices that includes the judicious use of water.
The WTTC new data praised the leadership of H.E. Derek Hanekom, South Africa's Minister of Tourism. the data also applauded the ambition of President Ramaphosa to double the number of people directly employed in the South African travel and tourism industry.
Guevarra believes that travel and tourism in South Africa's greatest resource and the country's strategy for expansion, which priorities regional integration, environment sustainability and putting the community at the heart of decisions will make for a successful combination as he looks at the future.
