Tag: HospitalityIndustry

South Africa's hospitality sector faces a paradox. Guests have returned, occupancy rates are recovering, and travel demand has regained strong momentum. According to Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, South Africa welcomed 10.485 million international visitors in 2025. This marked a historic record and surpassed pre-pandemic figures.

The conversation around African hospitality has shifted. For years, the industry spoke about the continent’s “untapped potential”. Today, that potential is translating into sustained and undeniable growth. The sector has moved beyond the recovery phase and entered an era of sophisticated expansion that is redefining the global travel map. This momentum also highlights the importance of sustaining growth in Africa through long-term strategies and investment.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) issued VAT Ruling: VR 020 – Consideration (VR 020) on 28 April 2026. The ruling addresses the Value-Added Tax (VAT) treatment of deposits received by game reserves when guests forfeit those deposits after cancelling bookings.

South Africa has a thriving and growing tourism market. It attracts local, regional and international tourists to our shores. Visitors come here because they want to experience something uniquely South African. They seek experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere else. Against this backdrop, hospitality emerges as a powerful catalyst for accelerating localisation.

Hospitality has always welcomed guests effectively. However, an important question remains. Are we equally good at welcoming young people into lasting, meaningful careers? South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is well-documented. Hospitality should play a stronger role in changing that story. The sector can offer first jobs, skills, confidence and exposure to the world.