Upgraded transport networks from expanded Gautrain and PRASA services, to increased air connectivity, are not only transforming the province’s mobility landscape but also driving tourism and small business development across provincial borders.
According to hospitality entrepreneur Adri Kruger, owner and director of Tzaneen Country Lodge and chairperson of the Greater Tzaneen Tourism Association, the upgrades have been a game-changer for Limpopo’s regional tourism.
“Many of our guests begin their journeys in Gauteng,” Kruger told Vutivi Business News.
“Better connectivity through OR Tambo and Lanseria, along with improved Gautrain and PRASA links, has encouraged more weekend escapes and midweek conferences in Limpopo. We have seen a clear increase in short-stay bookings and business tourism from Gauteng visitors who can now reach Tzaneen more easily and safely.”
Kruger said e-hailing and improved road infrastructure have opened opportunities for local micro-enterprises, especially shuttle drivers and small tour operators. However, she highlighted that last-mile connectivity, which is getting visitors from major hubs like Polokwane or Tzaneen to rural destinations, remains a challenge.
“There is great potential for collaboration between SMMEs, tourism businesses, and local government to strengthen rural mobility. Affordable, reliable transport options are key to ensuring inclusive tourism growth,” she added.
In Polokwane, Calvino’s Shuttle Services co-CEO Gopolang Makgotho said the ripple effects of Gauteng’s transport improvements are being felt by small shuttle and tour operators.
“E-hailing and new air routes have created exciting opportunities to diversify and reach new clients,” she said. “But small operators still face challenges competing with large transport companies and navigating complex municipal regulations. What we need is affordable financing, access to digital tools, and inclusion in official tourism campaigns.”
According to Gauteng Tourism, these transport upgrades are central to the province’s broader growth agenda. Between November 2024 and September 2025, new flight routes such as Johannesburg–Lubumbashi, Johannesburg–Tanzania, and Gqeberha–Lanseria have expanded regional access, while public transport systems like Gautrain and PRASA have enhanced local mobility for both commuters and visitors.
“Transport is the rhythm of tourism, the engine of trade, and the heartbeat of daily life,” wrote Barba Gaoganediwe, spokesperson of Gauteng Tourism. “When transport works, the economy moves and so does tourism.”
Industry observers say these developments will be vital as South Africa prepares to host global events such as the 2027 Cricket World Cup and the G20 Summit, which are expected to draw thousands of international visitors and create opportunities for SMMEs in logistics, accommodation, and township tourism.
Kruger further said Transport Month is more than a campaign; it is a call to action.
“Connectivity fuels tourism growth beyond the cities,” she said. “This is the time to highlight Limpopo’s potential as a leisure and business destination, while promoting eco-friendly travel options that align with sustainability.”
