Gauteng Tourism in Focus: Maile to Present Key Stats and Strategies for Economic Growth

Gauteng, South Africa’s economic powerhouse, is accelerating its tourism sector growth with a bold plan to transform the province into a globally competitive and resilient destination. On Sunday, 10 August 2025, Gauteng’s MEC for Finance & Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, will share the latest tourism performance data. He will reveal the impact of hosting signature events and introduce initiatives designed to support sustainable tourism-led economic growth. The briefing, held at the iconic FNB Stadium in Nasrec, promises insight into how Gauteng is fostering tourism to benefit both its economy and local communities.

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The Strategic Vision Behind Gauteng Tourism Growth

Central to Gauteng’s tourism ambition is the Growing Gauteng Together Vision 2030. This framework seeks to generate over R30 billion in international tourism revenue by attracting 2 million international visitors annually. The vision hinges on leveraging global signature events, empowering Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), and supporting township tourism products as direct beneficiaries of the sector’s expansion.

MEC Maile’s briefing will update stakeholders on the progress towards these targets. He will emphasise a more inclusive approach that integrates township and local enterprises into the tourism value chain. The focus on SMME mainstreaming signals Gauteng’s commitment to economic inclusivity. It also shows the creation of sustainable job opportunities in the tourism industry.

Hosting Quality Signature Events: A Catalyst for Growth

A key driver of tourism growth is Gauteng’s strong reputation as a host of high-profile international and national events. The strategy prioritises attracting and sustaining world-class signature events with significant economic impact. These events draw visitors from across the globe and boost spending in accommodation, transport, entertainment, and retail sectors.

Recent successes, including events linked with the Premier Soccer League (PSL), testify to Gauteng’s capacity to stage large-scale sporting, cultural, and business events. MEC Maile notes that these events have contributed to a steady upward trend in tourism figures. The latest audits confirm ongoing growth resilience amid global economic challenges.

Public-Private Partnerships: Leveraging World-Class Infrastructure

Gauteng’s tourism strategy benefits from effective partnerships with private entities, most notably Stadium Management South Africa. This organisation manages four multimillion-rand government-owned venues in Johannesburg, including the FNB Stadium itself. Operating on a full financial risk model, this public-private partnership has been instrumental in upgrading infrastructure. It has enhanced event hosting capabilities and ensured operational excellence.

The upcoming media tour post-briefing will showcase the recent infrastructural developments at FNB Stadium. It will highlight how investments in facilities are paving the way for improved visitor experiences and increased event footfall.

Expanding Tourism Beyond the City Centres

While Johannesburg and Pretoria remain tourism hubs, Gauteng’s strategy recognises the importance of expanding tourist offerings into township areas and rejuvenated inner cities. This approach supports local entrepreneurship. It also amplifies cultural tourism through authentic experiences that highlight South Africa’s diverse heritage.

Township tourism products are becoming fixtures on Gauteng’s tourism map. There are interventions aimed at developing accommodation, craft markets, and guided tours that stimulate the local economy. This aligns with the broader economic goal of fostering equitable growth across the province.

Strengthening Resilience Amid Global Challenges

The tourism sector worldwide faces constant challenges, from shifting travel patterns to economic volatility and health concerns triggered by pandemics. Gauteng’s plan places strong emphasis on building a resilient tourism economy. This includes improved safety and cleanliness initiatives to restore traveler confidence. It also involves targeted marketing campaigns and digital transformation efforts that streamline visitor engagement.

Gauteng’s advanced digital infrastructure facilitates the rollout of innovative tourism platforms and services, making it easier for both domestic and international travellers to access information, book experiences, and explore new destinations.

Empowering Youth and Small Businesses in Tourism

To secure long-term sustainability, Gauteng is investing in skills development and empowerment programmes focussed on youth and small enterprises. These initiatives aim to equip locals with hospitality training, entrepreneurial skills, and access to capital for business growth.

By nurturing talent within the tourism ecosystem, Gauteng ensures the sector can contribute meaningfully to job creation and socio-economic development. It also maintains high service standards that enhance the province’s appeal.

Promoting Business Events and Hybrid Conferences

The Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau plays a pivotal role in positioning the province as a hub for business tourism. Capitalising on modern venues, connectivity, and service excellence, the bureau supports hybrid and international conventions tailored to different sectors.

Business events generate significant economic spin-offs and enhance Gauteng’s international profile. The continued focus on attracting these events aligns well with efforts to diversify tourism offerings. It extends economic benefits beyond leisure visitors.

Tourism Performance Backed by Robust Data and Audits

The media briefing follows the release of an audit by the Auditor-General of South Africa. It confirms the veracity of tourism sector performance data and validates growth trends. Such transparency enhances stakeholder confidence, supports investment decisions, and informs future policy planning.

The audit considered destination Gauteng’s data management practices and performance information, signalling mature governance in tourism reporting processes.

Practical Benefits for Visitors and Stakeholders

Gauteng’s improved tourism infrastructure ensures visitors enjoy world-class experiences. Recent enhancements to FNB Stadium and other venues provide modern amenities and spectacular event settings, boosting satisfaction and repeat visitation.

The integration of township tourism products and SMMEs enriches the visitor experience with unique cultural perspectives and authentic local interaction.

For stakeholders, these developments represent fertile ground for partnerships, investment, and collaborative growth in a sector pivotal to Gauteng’s economic dynamism.

Summary of The Event Details:

• Event: Gauteng Tourism Media Briefing
• Host: MEC Lebogang Maile, Gauteng MEC for Finance & Economic Development
• Date: Sunday, 10 August 2025
• Time: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM (arrivals from 9:00 AM)
• Venue: FNB Stadium, Nasrec, Johannesburg
• Purpose: To present the latest Gauteng tourism performance statistics, the economic impact of hosting quality signature events, and new initiatives to build a competitive and resilient tourism economy.
• Key Focus:
  • Updates on tourism growth and recovery plans linked to the Growing Gauteng Together Vision 2030
  • Progress toward reaching over R30 billion in international tourism revenue from 2 million international arrivals
  • The role of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and township tourism integration
  • Highlights of public-private partnerships, especially with Stadium Management South Africa
• Additional: Following the briefing, a media tour will showcase the latest tourism infrastructure and experiences developed at the FNB Stadium.

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The Role of Tourism in Gauteng’s Economy

Tourism remains a strategic pillar for Gauteng’s economic development. It contributes to job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and broader prosperity. MEC Maile’s update demonstrates the province’s resolve to implement sustainable, data-driven strategies. These strategies adjust to market realities while promoting a competitive business environment.

As Gauteng continues to strengthen its position on the global tourism map, initiatives fostering inclusivity, resilience, and innovation will be vital. They are key to realising the ambitious Vision 2030 targets.