South Africa’s inaugural G20 Legacy Tourism Investment Summit has opened the door to nearly R1 billion in new tourism opportunities, with projects ranging from heritage sites to eco-tourism developments expected to unlock jobs, partnerships, and growth for SMMEs.
Hosted in Cape Town, the Summit unveiled eight bankable tourism projects, including the God’s Window Skywalk in Mpumalanga and the Hole in the Wall Resort in the Eastern Cape.
Led by Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, the event brought together global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders ahead of the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Skukuza, Kruger National Park.
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De Lille said the projects demonstrate South Africa’s readiness to welcome investment with significant community benefits.
“Every rand or dollar invested is an opportunity created. And every partnership formed here will help us transform tourism into a driver of inclusive, sustainable prosperity,” she said.
Bilcane Sibuyi, owner of Masingitana Safaris in Mpumalanga, said the summit’s themes align closely with her company’s focus on immersive, community-based journeys.
“The most promising opportunities lie in heritage tourism, eco-tourism, and training programmes,” Sibuyi noted.
“These align with our mission to allow guests to connect with South Africa’s people and stories truly.”
However, Sibuyi emphasised that SMEs need targeted support to take full advantage of such initiatives.
“Access to training, marketing platforms, and small-business financing would make a meaningful difference. Strengthening connections between smaller operators and national tourism campaigns would also help us compete on a larger scale,” he said.
The Summit also introduced policy reforms designed to unlock growth, including amended public-private partnership regulations that allow for blended finance, crowdfunding, and more flexible investment models.
Additionally, UN Tourism announced 100 scholarships for young South Africans, aimed at equipping the next generation of leaders with skills to drive inclusive and sustainable tourism.
For Sibuyi, these measures could translate into real growth not only for his business, but also for communities across Mpumalanga.
“These initiatives can help us grow our business, attract more tourists seeking authentic experiences, and most importantly, create sustainable jobs within the communities we serve,” he said.
The Tourism Investment Summit positioned South Africa as a gateway to Africa for global tourism investment, while reaffirming the importance of aligning growth with sustainability and inclusivity.
For SMMEs like Masingitana Safaris, the success of these initiatives will hinge on whether support structures and partnerships are extended to smaller players.
nosihle@vutivibusiness.co.za
