Tourism Month 2025: Celebrating South Africa’s Rich Heritage and Sustainable Growth

What is Tourism Month?

Theme for Tourism Month 2025: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation

The 2025 theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, focuses on growing tourism in a way that benefits everyone. It stresses protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting fair economic progress. The theme calls for inclusive growth and responsible tourism that respects people and planet.

Launch of Tourism Month 2025

Minister Patricia de Lille launched Tourism Month 2025 on 13 August in Johannesburg at Sakhumzi Restaurant. She highlighted tourism’s power to boost the economy and encouraged South Africans to explore their country. The launch showcased support for local tourism businesses and reflected the theme’s message of inclusive, sustainable growth.

Roles of Provincial Tourism Authorities

Provincial bodies like Gauteng Tourism Authority and KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority organise events and campaigns to highlight local attractions during Tourism Month. They support community tourism projects that benefit residents and visitors alike.

Importance of Domestic Travel

Minister de Lille urged citizens to travel within South Africa, saying, “Our own country, it’s yours… The most beautiful country in the world. It’s yours, so you must enjoy it.” Domestic tourism sustains many businesses and jobs, helping the economy recover after recent global challenges.

Key Events During Tourism Month 2025

World Tourism Day Celebration

On 27 September, South Africa will celebrate World Tourism Day in the Eastern Cape at the Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu. The event honours heritage and community tourism, supporting local economies in the region where Tourism Month began in 2007.

Tourism Business Council Conference

From 17 to 19 September 2025, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) holds its annual leadership conference at Sun City Resort, North West. The conference focuses on growth, policy, and people, aiming for sustainable and inclusive tourism development nationwide.

G20 Tourism Innovation Hackathon

From May to September 2025, South African students have competed in the G20 Tourism Hackathon, developing AI solutions to improve tourism in rural communities.

Final presentations will take place in Mpumalanga in September, showcasing youth-led innovation supporting tourism and sustainability.

Key 2025 Tourism Events Cementing Growth Momentum

• G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting on 12 September in Mpumalanga, hosted by Minister Patricia de Lille, will gather global tourism leaders to discuss sustainable tourism growth.
• 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting on 9 September in Mpumalanga.
• Student Research Colloquium and Stakeholder Capacity Building Workshop on 9 September in Potchefstroom to foster academic and industry collaboration.
• G20 Tourism Investment Summit on 10 September in Cape Town focused on mobilising investment into South African tourism.
• G20 Tourism Hackathon Final on 10 September in Mpumalanga showcasing innovative tourism solutions by youth.
• World Tourism Day celebrated on 27 September across Gauteng Province with public events highlighting the importance of tourism for economic and social well-being.

How to Join Tourism Month 2025

Explore new locations in Gauteng and across South Africa. Take part in provincial events and celebrate World Tourism Day.

Use social media to share your travel stories and support sustainable tourism practices.

Gauteng Attractions: How to Explore Gauteng on a Budget

Gauteng, South Africa’s smallest but wealthiest province, offers a rich mix of culture, nature, and history, all easily accessible without spending a cent. There are plenty of free attractions to explore that provide memorable experiences for residents and tourists alike.

1. Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam

Located in the north-western suburbs of Johannesburg, the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens provide a quiet escape with sprawling lawns, themed gardens, and walking paths. Visitors often gather for picnics, bird-watching, or casual strolls around Emmarentia Dam, a scenic spot ideal for fishing and kayaking. The gardens host free events throughout the year, making it a perfect spot to relax in nature.

Address: Olifants Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg, 2195

2. Zoo Lake

Adjacent to Melville and near the Johannesburg Zoo, Zoo Lake is a popular park for families, joggers, and leisure visitors. With wide green spaces, walking trails, and a small lake for paddle boats, it’s a lively gathering spot. Visitors can enjoy the park’s playgrounds and weekend markets, all with no entrance fee.

Address: 60 Jan Smuts Ave, Forest Town, Randburg, 2193

3. Goodman Gallery

The Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg is a prominent contemporary art space hosting exhibitions of South African and international artists. Entry is free, making it an enriching cultural stop. The gallery promotes important conversations through art, highlighting social, political, and environmental themes relevant to South Africa and beyond. It offers a chance to experience thought-provoking works and gain insight into the country’s dynamic art scene. The gallery also holds occasional talks and events open to the public.

Address: 163 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg

4. Museum Africa

Situated in the heart of Johannesburg’s Newtown Cultural Precinct, Museum Africa is a premier history museum housed in a historic 1913 market building. It presents extensive exhibitions on South African and African history, including archaeology, ethnography, and social history. Visitors can explore diverse collections featuring African art and artifacts, geology, photography, and contemporary cultural displays. The museum promotes critical engagement with South Africa’s complex past and vibrant heritage. Entry to Museum Africa is free Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, making it an enriching and accessible cultural experience.

Address: 121 Lilian Ngoyi St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2033

5. Soweto Walking Tours (Self-Guided)

Soweto is rich in history and heritage, famously known as a stronghold of resistance against apartheid. While guided tours often charge fees, visitors can enjoy self-guided walking tours that pass major free sites including the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilakazi Street (the only street where two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, lived), and various township arts and crafts markets.

A key stop is the Hector Pieterson Museum, which commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising and the young lives lost, especially Hector Pieterson, whose tragic death became a symbol of resistance. The museum offers a powerful, educational experience showcasing apartheid’s impact and the bravery of the youth protesters. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Entrance fees: R30 for South African adults, R15 for pensioners and students with ID, and R10 for children aged 6 to 12. International visitors pay R100, with concessions for pensioners and students.
Address: 8287 Khumalo Street, Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg

Sustainable Tourism Practices

Sustainability is central to Tourism Month 2025. The sector focuses on protecting South Africa’s unique wildlife and landscapes. It promotes social inclusion, responsible travel, and support for local entrepreneurs. Sustainable tourism ensures the industry can keep growing without harming people or the planet.

Economic Benefits of Tourism

• Creates jobs in accommodation, transport, guides, and hospitality.
• Supports small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Promotes South African culture and pride.
• Brings foreign exchange through international visitors.
• Drives infrastructure improvements in many areas.

Tips for Tourists During Tourism Month

• Respect local cultures and the environment.
• Choose eco-friendly accommodation and tours.
• Support local artisans and businesses.
• Follow safety guidelines and travel responsibly.
• Share positive experiences to promote South African tourism.

Future of Tourism in South Africa

Tourism is vital for South Africa’s economic recovery. Goals include:

• Restoring tourist numbers to pre-pandemic levels.
• Aligning with the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan.
• Reaching 15.6 million tourist arrivals by 2030.
• Strengthening partnerships between government, business, and communities.

Connecting Culture, Community, and Conservation

Tourism is a vital driver of South Africa’s economy, culture, and community well-being. Initiatives like Tourism Month 2025 highlight the sector’s role in job creation, sustainable development, and national pride. This celebration perfectly aligns with Heritage Month, as both honour South Africa’s rich history and encourage citizens to explore and support local destinations. Together, they inspire responsible travel, uplift local businesses, and ensure that the country’s unique heritage thrives for future generations. With tourism steadily recovering and growing, South Africa is on a path toward inclusive and sustainable transformation.