By Simon Nare
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, who was recognised for her contribution in promoting tourism on Thursday, flaunted all of South Africa’s offerings when she took to the podium at the ITB Berlin.
Billed as the leading platform for the global travel and tourism industry, De Lille did not hold back while punting the country as the best holiday destination.
The minister spoke of astro-tourism in the Northern Cape, the Big 7 wildlife experience in the Eastern Cape, luxury wine tourism in the Western Cape, cultural experiences in Soweto and adventure tourism in Mpumalanga.
“From championship golf courses to breathtaking night skies, wellness retreats and award-winning gastronomy, South Africa has something for every traveller,” she told delegates.
De Lille won the Tourism Minister of the Year award for infrastructure development that was given by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association at the conference.
The awards recognise governments, organisations, brands, ministers and individuals who have excelled in the promotion of tourism.
“Our country is a place of incredible beauty, rich cultural heritage and world-class experiences. South Africa is more than a destination—it’s an experience that transforms. We welcome travellers, investors and partners to join us in shaping the future of global tourism,” she said.
Beaming with excitement, the minister told the conference about the enthusiasm that has gripped South Africa for being the first African country to host the G20 presidency.
She told the delegates how the government planned to use the presidency to advance tourism’s role in socio-economic development and job creation.
“This is a proud and historic moment as South Africa becomes the first African nation to host the G20. Under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’, we aim to advance tourism’s role in socioeconomic development and job creation,” De Lille said
She also spoke on the newly introduced Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, which was a streamlining visa application system for travellers from India and China.
In addition, South Africa has expanded its air connectivity and now boasted 103 active international routes to 64 cities worldwide, with a 9.4% increase in available seats for 2025, the minister said.
INSIDE POLITICS
