South Africa’s tourism sector could become one of the country’s strongest economic recovery drivers if government, investors and industry stakeholders work together to unlock tourism growth, strengthen infrastructure and create opportunities for young people. That was one of the key messages shared by Tourism Director General Victor Vele during a recent episode of Gauteng Lifve, where he discussed the future of the visitor economy, tourism investment and Gauteng’s strategic importance.
Speaking to host Barba G, Tharage reflected on his journey from student activism into senior public service leadership while outlining how tourism could contribute to employment, investment attraction and economic transformation across South Africa.
The discussion comes as South Africa continues rebuilding tourism momentum while provinces like Gauteng position themselves as key players within the national visitor economy.
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Victor Vele Reflects on Leadership and Public Service
During the interview, Vele spoke about his leadership journey and the role mentorship played throughout his career.
He explained how different mentors and coaches helped shape his approach to leadership, governance and long term planning within public service.
Now serving as Director General of the Department of Tourism, Vele remains one of South Africa’s longest serving senior government officials involved in tourism policy and visitor economy development.
The conversation also focused on how young South Africans can position themselves within the tourism sector beyond traditional hospitality roles.
Tourism Seen as a Major Economic Driver
A major focus of the discussion centred around tourism’s growing role within South Africa’s economy.
Tharage described tourism as a broad economic ecosystem connected to:
- Aviation
- Infrastructure
- Hospitality
- Arts and culture
- Events and entertainment
- Digital tourism platforms
- Investment attraction
- International relations
According to tourism officials, the sector continues supporting millions of direct and indirect jobs nationally while contributing significantly to GDP growth.
Vele said tourism investment has the potential to create widespread economic ripple effects across local communities and industries.
Why Gauteng Remains Critical to South Africa’s Visitor Economy
Although provinces like the Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal remain major tourism destinations, Gauteng continues playing a central role within South Africa’s tourism ecosystem.
The interview highlighted Gauteng’s position as:
- South Africa’s economic hub
- A gateway for international arrivals
- A business tourism destination
- A diplomatic centre
- A major events and conference province
Vele specifically referenced Pretoria’s global diplomatic significance, noting that the city has one of the world’s highest concentrations of foreign missions outside Washington DC.
According to Vele, this creates opportunities for “soft diplomacy”, where tourism, international relations, culture and conferences intersect.
Pretoria’s Diplomatic Role Could Boost Tourism
The discussion explored how Pretoria’s diplomatic infrastructure could support tourism growth more aggressively in future.
According to Vele, embassies, diplomatic events and international summits create opportunities for:
- Business travel
- Conference tourism
- International partnerships
- Investment attraction
- Cultural exchange
Tourism analysts say Gauteng’s diplomatic positioning gives the province a competitive advantage in attracting meetings, conferences and global events.
This may become increasingly important as South Africa attempts to strengthen its position within the international business tourism market.
Club Med and LIV Golf Highlight Investment Potential
The interview also examined major tourism investments currently receiving national attention.
Vele referenced projects such as:
- Club Med South Africa
- LIV Golf events
- International sporting partnerships
- Tourism infrastructure investments
He described these developments as “catalytic investments” capable of stimulating local economies, creating jobs and increasing tourism activity.
Industry experts say global sporting events and resort investments often generate secondary economic benefits for airlines, accommodation providers, restaurants and surrounding businesses.
Tourism Transformation Remains a Key Focus
Despite progress within the sector, Vele acknowledged that tourism transformation in South Africa remains incomplete.
The discussion reflected on how tourism during apartheid largely functioned as an exclusionary industry that served limited economic participation.
Today, officials say the tourism economy is more integrated, with both local and international brands participating within the sector.
However, barriers still remain for smaller businesses and township tourism operators.
The interview highlighted challenges linked to:
- Access to funding
- Skills development
- Ownership transformation
- Youth participation
- Digital access
- Tourism market visibility
Young People Could Shape the Future of Tourism
A major theme throughout the conversation focused on youth participation and digital tourism opportunities.
Tharage said younger generations are increasingly influencing tourism through:
- Social media content
- Destination marketing
- Digital storytelling
- Online travel trends
- Tourism technology
- Influencer driven travel experiences
Tourism analysts say digital platforms continue reshaping how travellers discover destinations, restaurants, events and cultural experiences.
The interview suggested that young entrepreneurs may play a larger role in marketing Gauteng tourism experiences online while building independent tourism businesses.
National Tourism Growth Partnership Plan Explained
The episode also unpacked South Africa’s National Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, which aims to strengthen collaboration across departments and industries.
According to Vele, tourism growth depends heavily on cooperation between:
- Home Affairs
- Transport
- Arts and Culture
- Provincial governments
- Municipalities
- Private investors
Industry experts say visa systems, airport efficiency, infrastructure upgrades and safety perceptions remain critical to increasing international tourism growth.
Where to Watch the Full Gauteng Life Episode
The full Gauteng Lifve episode featuring Tourism Director General Victor Vele explores the future of South Africa’s tourism economy, leadership, investment opportunities and Gauteng’s role within the visitor economy.
The discussion also unpacks:
- Tourism transformation
- Leadership and mentorship
- Pretoria’s diplomatic importance
- The National Tourism Growth Partnership Plan
- Tourism investment projects such as LIV Golf and Club Med
The episode is available through Gauteng Tourism Authority digital platforms and social media channels.
Residents can follow tourism updates and visitor economy discussions on:
- Instagram: @visitgauteng
- Facebook: I Love Gauteng
The Gauteng Tourism Authority also encourages tourism businesses and entrepreneurs to use the Visit Gauteng mobile app to showcase tourism products and connect with broader audiences across the province.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the conversation highlights how tourism is increasingly being positioned as a major economic growth sector rather than simply a leisure industry.
If tourism investment continues growing, it could contribute to:
- Job creation
- Township tourism development
- Youth entrepreneurship
- Event tourism growth
- Infrastructure investment
- International business opportunities
Gauteng’s role as both a business and diplomatic hub also places the province in a strategic position to benefit from conferences, international partnerships and future tourism investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Victor Vele?
Victor Vele is the Director General of South Africa’s Department of Tourism.
What was discussed during the Gauteng Life interview?
The interview focused on tourism growth, investment, leadership, youth participation and Gauteng’s role within South Africa’s visitor economy.
Why is Gauteng important to tourism?
Gauteng is South Africa’s economic hub and a major destination for business travel, conferences and international events.
What are catalytic tourism investments?
These are large scale tourism projects or events that stimulate economic activity, infrastructure development and job creation.
Why is youth participation important in tourism?
Young people increasingly drive digital tourism trends, online marketing and destination visibility through social media and technology.
What Happens Next?
Tourism stakeholders are expected to continue discussions around South Africa’s National Tourism Growth Partnership Plan as government and industry work to strengthen the country’s tourism competitiveness.
Provincial tourism agencies, municipalities and private investors are also expected to intensify efforts around infrastructure, destination marketing and tourism investment attraction ahead of upcoming tourism campaigns and international events.
