South Africa Gears Up for World Tourism Day 2025 at Constitution Hill, Spotlighting Sustainable Transformation and Global Partnerships
South Africa is poised to join the international community in marking World Tourism Day (WTD) 2025 with a vibrant celebration at the historic Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on Friday, 27 September 2025. This annual event, spearheaded by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), is observed globally on 27 September to underscore the tourism sector’s vital role in fostering socio-economic development and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the 2025 observance will emphasise how tourism can drive inclusive local economies, spur job creation, and encourage collaborative initiatives for entrepreneurial growth and resilient communities. Hosted in partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government, tourism stakeholders, and South African Tourism, the event runs from 10:30 to 14:00, featuring discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities to highlight innovative practices in the industry.
This year’s celebration follows South Africa’s successful hosting of the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Mpumalanga earlier in September 2025, where member states endorsed a declaration reinforcing commitments to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism. With tourism contributing over 8.6% to South Africa’s GDP in 2024 and supporting more than 1.5 million jobs, the event at Constitution Hill serves as a platform to reflect on the sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential to address pressing challenges like climate change, inequality, and unemployment. As the country continues to promote its diverse attractions—from wildlife safaris to cultural heritage sites—the focus on transformation aims to ensure benefits reach underserved communities, aligning with national goals for economic empowerment and environmental stewardship.
The Global and Local Significance of World Tourism Day 2025
World Tourism Day 2025, under the banner “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” celebrates the industry’s capacity to act as a catalyst for positive change worldwide. Globally, the official celebrations are hosted in Melaka, Malaysia, but countries like South Africa tailor local events to address regional priorities. In South Africa, the theme resonates deeply, as tourism plays a pivotal role in creating environments that support innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable communities. “As one of the largest economic sectors in the world, tourism plays a significant role in creating environments that support innovation, transformation, and sustainable tourism communities, thus contributing to addressing the socio-economic challenges that impact global societies,” the Department of Tourism stated.
The sector’s rebound is evident in recent figures: South Africa welcomed over 880,000 international arrivals in July 2025 alone, marking a 26% year-on-year increase. This growth supports diverse industries, from hospitality to crafts, and aligns with the SDGs, particularly Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth) and Goal 12 (responsible consumption and production). Locally, the event at Constitution Hill—a UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolising the nation’s journey from apartheid to democracy—will feature panel discussions on digital innovation, eco-tourism, and community-led initiatives. Attendees can expect interactive sessions showcasing how tourism can transform rural areas through agritourism and cultural experiences, fostering job opportunities for youth and women.
Building on G20 Success: Mpumalanga Declaration and Key Outcomes
South Africa’s WTD celebrations come on the heels of the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting held on 12 September 2025 in Skukuza, Mpumalanga, at the iconic Kruger National Park. The gathering, hosted by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, brought together ministers from G20 nations to finalise an action plan promoting solidarity, equality, and sustainability in tourism. The resulting Mpumalanga Declaration echoes South Africa’s G20 presidency priorities, emphasising digital innovation to boost travel and tourism start-ups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); tourism financing and investment for enhanced resilience; and strategies to unlock opportunities while addressing global challenges.
“These milestones echo South Africa’s and the global community’s commitment to achieving the UN SDGs by promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism through digital innovation, tourism financing, air connectivity and resilience,” the Department of Tourism noted. The declaration calls for further efforts to enhance air connectivity, mobilise green investments, and support MSMEs in adopting sustainable practices. By choosing Mpumalanga—a province rich in natural beauty and biodiversity—the meeting showcased how tourism can align growth with conservation, increasing spending in eco-friendly destinations and creating jobs in rural areas.
Tourism’s Economic Powerhouse Role in South Africa
Tourism remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy, generating R300 billion in revenue in 2024 and employing over 1.5 million people directly and indirectly. The sector’s resilience post-pandemic is evident, with international arrivals surpassing 10 million in 2024, driven by attractions like Table Mountain, Kruger National Park, and cultural sites such as Soweto and Robben Island. Domestic tourism also boomed, contributing R120 billion, as locals explored hidden gems through initiatives like the Sho’t Left campaign.
The 2025 theme encourages a shift towards sustainable models, such as community-based tourism in places like the Wild Coast, where locals run eco-lodges and tours, preserving heritage while earning income. Investments in green infrastructure, like solar-powered accommodations, align with South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, reducing carbon footprints and attracting eco-conscious travellers. Air connectivity improvements, a G20 priority, could boost arrivals from key markets like the US and Europe, with new routes to Cape Town and Johannesburg enhancing accessibility.
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