South Africa’s Travel and Tourism Employment Expected to Reach New Heights

Overview of South Africa’s Travel and Tourism Sector

Recent data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) indicates that South Africa’s Travel and Tourism sector is poised for a significant upswing in employment. Projections for 2025 suggest the sector will support more jobs than ever before, although it is still navigating recovery challenges.

Job Growth in the Sector

The latest Economic Impact Research from the WTTC forecasts that by 2025, the Travel and Tourism industry will generate approximately 1.9 million jobs, a figure that exceeds pre-pandemic levels from 2019. This surge emphasizes the essential role the sector plays in providing employment, accounting for 11.3% of all jobs in South Africa.

Domestic Visitor Spending Trends

Encouragingly, domestic spending among visitors is anticipated to rise robustly, with a total forecast of ZAR 445 billion in 2025. This amount reflects a 3.8% increase over the 2019 figures.

Overall Economic Contributions

Despite the optimistic employment outlook, the contribution of the Travel and Tourism sector to the national GDP remains a more complex issue. The total economic contribution of the sector is projected to reach ZAR 659.8 billion, equivalent to 8.9% of the national GDP. However, this figure is still 3.4% less than the peak contributions seen in 2019.

International Visitor Spending

International visitor spending is also set for growth, though it is expected to remain modest compared to prior levels, projected to reach ZAR 128.4 billion. This figure trails behind 2019 by approximately ZAR 37.7 billion.

Leadership and Future Prospects

Julia Simpson, the President & CEO of the WTTC, emphasises that South Africa is gradually turning a corner in the tourism recovery process. With the nation assuming the G20 Presidency in 2025, there is an opportunity to place Travel and Tourism at the forefront of national agendas. Minister Patricia de Lille is noted for her dynamic leadership and collaborative efforts aimed at driving growth in this sector.

Past Contributions and Future Goals

In 2024, the Travel and Tourism sector in South Africa contributed ZAR 618.7 billion to the economy, which amounted to 9.4% less than what was achieved in 2019. During this period, the sector employed around 1.8 million people and reported international visitor spending of ZAR 116.5 billion, alongside domestic spending at ZAR 430 billion.

A Decade of Growth

Looking ahead, the WTTC believes that with a focus on leveraging national priorities and enhancing public-private collaboration, South Africa can usher in a new era of growth for the Travel and Tourism sector. Strong momentum is expected through 2035, potentially creating an additional 620,000 jobs, raising total employment in the sector to approximately 2.6 million, which would comprise about 13.8% of the country’s workforce.

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The insights into South Africa’s tourism employment highlight both the potential for job creation and the hurdles that still exist. Even the best reviews and most genuine feedback cannot truly replace firsthand experience. GetExperience.com offers a platform where you can book experiences from verified providers at reasonable prices, ensuring you make informed decisions without facing unnecessary disappointments. With transparency and convenience at the forefront, you can explore various options including tours tailored to your preferences and budget. Book now at GetExperience.com.