South Africa Tourism News
Nelson Mandela’s former home reopens as a private villa at Shambala
Just a few hours’ drive north of Johannesburg, in a vast landscape of pristine African bushveld, is Shambala Private Game Reserve. And here, amid the quiet and peace, is a place for contemplation and inner reflection. A place that personifies the ideas of reconciliation and hope. The Nelson Mandela Centre for Reconciliation has been a private home since 2001 and was closed as a mark of respect since the former president’s passing in 2013.
WTTC commends Zuma for visa overhaul pledge
The World Travel & Tourism Council has offered its support to South African president Jacob Zuma following a promise to review visa laws. “South Africa is leading the world in many areas of its tourism development and President Zuma’s commitment to reform visa regulations should enable the country to maximise the industry’s potential for economic growth and social advancement,” said WTTC president David Scowsill.
Qatar Airways boosts South Africa flights
Qatar Airways has announced a major expansion in South Africa with the launch of a new destination Durban while simultaneously increasing its weekly frequencies to Johannesburg. The airline will also increase its weekly frequency to Cape Town going up from five flights a week to a daily service.
South Africa drops yellow fever vaccination requirement for Zambia visitors
The South African department of health has officially lifted the requirement that yellow fever vaccinations are needed to travel between Zambia and South Africa. After being declared a yellow fever free zone by the World Health Organisation in January, the South African health department has now announced that travellers no longer need to obtain certification of vaccination.
WTM Africa 2015 expands to three day event following successful launch
WTM Africa 2015, the leading business to business tourism event in Africa, has been expanded to a three-day event, following the hugely successful inaugural show. WTM Africa launched in spring 2014 as a two-day event in Cape Town and immediately established itself as the leading business-to-business tourism event in Africa.
Derek Hanekom, minister, Tourism Republic of South Africa
Derek Hanekom, minister, Tourism Republic of South Africa talks to Breaking Travel News on Day 2 at World Travel Market 2014.
Tolene van der Merwe to head South Africa tourism in UK
Travel industry expert Tolene van der Merwe will become the new UK country manager for South African Tourism it has been announced. South African native, van der Merwe has more than 15 years’ experience in the travel industry, working on business to business and business to consumer initiatives.
New chief operating officer for South African Tourism
South African Tourism has announced the appointment of its new chief operating officer, Sthembiso Dlamini, who will join South African Tourism on the August 1st 2014. Dlamini is currently employed by the National Development Agency in the capacity of senior manager, office of the chief executive, a role she has occupied since August 2012.
Hanekom steps up as South Africa tourism minister
Derek Hanekom has been appointed to the position of minister of tourism in South Africa, replacing outgoing Marthinus van Schalkwyk. van Schalkwyk has been a popular minister in the role, with the surprise moved announced earlier. Re-elected South African president Jacob Zuma has been keen to overhaul his government, with the appointment of ministers in the key areas of transport, public enterprises and the establishment of a new ministry for small business development taking place in recent days.
Eco-tourism helps to reverse rural exodus in South Africa
More than 1.5-million foreign tourists are drawn to South Africa every year for its Big 5 wildlife experiences and scenic beauty. What they often don’t know is that their dollars and Euros spent in the country’s many game reserves are contributing to the upliftment and development of impoverished rural communities.
South African currency devaluation brings tourists flocking
Every cloud has a silver lining, they say – for foreign tourists in search of the ultimate safari vacation, South Africa’s currency, the rand, makes for very shiny prospects as it has devalued by between 22% and 32% against major currencies over the past 12 months, meaning that dollars, euros and pounds buy so much more in South Africa.
Travel Butlers reports boom in South Africa holiday sales
Safari holiday specialist Travel Butlers has reported record sales of holidays to South Africa as people take advantage of the current strength of the pound against the South African Rand.