Tag Archives: innovation

Tourism unveils a smart visitor information centre

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

19 November 2025- Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille today launched a Smart Tourism Visitor Information Centre (VIC) at the OR Tambo International Airport, marking a significant milestone in the tourism sector’s effort towards digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive development. De Lille said the Smart Tourism Visitor Information Centre is an interactive, paperless destination marketing centre that offers real-time information on the diverse tourism, culture and heritage offerings that span across all nine South African provinces.

She further said situated at the international arrivals’ precinct of the OR Tambo International Airport, travellers who arrive in South Africa will immediately be greeted by the enthralling displays of South Africa’s culture and nature offerings on the Smart Tourism VIC’s screens and a reminder to explore the beautiful country responsibly. De Lille added that the centre’s inclusive design encourages physical accessibility for all visitors, including those with special access needs.

“I am proud to officially unveil the Smart Visitors Information Centre that is designed to fundamentally transform how visitors experience South Africa from the moment they arrive. Tourism is one of the sectors with the greatest potential to create jobs, support small businesses and drive inclusive economic growth.

“To unlock this potential, we must modernise, innovate, and compete on the global stage. That is exactly what today represents. As the world adapts to technological advancements, it is clear that the future of travel is technology-based,” she said.

De Lille said the Smart Tourism VIC is one of the numbers of initiatives that the sector plans to implement to position South Africa as a smart destination that provides solutions for tourism enterprises, whilst responding to the needs of travellers in real-time. She said Tourism’s Smart VIC boasts a new automated tourism complaints management system.

“Travellers will be able to lodge their tourism-related complaints digitally at the centre, marking an efficient transition away from manual processing. The centre will be manned by six information officers who can assist travellers in filing the information and documentation related to their complaint at the VIC.

“This Smart VIC is an investment in our future. In the long term, we are developing a smart visitor app that will integrate seamlessly with the centre, offering digital navigation, curated itineraries, transport options, and province-by-province tourism content,” said de Lille.

She said this will ensure that visitors carry South Africa in their pocket, throughout their stay. De Lille said beyond its functionality as a resource of information for tourists, the Smart Tourism VIC will provide much needed ICT support to tourism businesses, especially those in remote areas such as villages, small towns and dorpies.

CEO of Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa said: “The ICT solutions offered by the centre will enable tourism businesses to tailor their products, services, and experiences to the needs of consumers, whilst being marketed at the VIC.

“This Smart VIC will connect communities and small businesses to travellers, whilst promoting transformation in the tourism sector. We are happy to be part of this initiative, and we look forward to more digital VIC being rolled out across the country.”

Tshivhengwa said in the long term, a Smart Tourism App will be created to ensure that visitors have a holistic digital experience while visiting the VIC. He said the APP will allow users to gain access to useful content and information about various monuments around provinces, an audio guide in several languages, multiple videos and a rich photo gallery.

“Partnerships between government and the private sector are essential in driving the advancement of the tourism sector, and in assuring South Africa’s competitiveness globally. Tourism Growth Partnership Plan seeks to strategically align government, the private sector, and sector stakeholders to stimulate tourism growth, create jobs, and boost the economy through collaboration over the next five years,” said Tshivhengwa.

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Tourism partners host Africa’s travel Indaba Media launch

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The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille

By BAKANG MOKOTO

23April 2025- The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille said the 2025 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the most powerful platforms for collaboration, innovation, and transformation for tourism during the official Media Launch of the 2025 Africa’s Travel Indaba held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban today. De Lille said KwaZulu-Natal is not just a province, but a mirror of the continent’s warmth, resilience and potential.

She further said South African Tourism officially launched its latest global brand campaign, ‘South Africa Awaits — Come Find Your Joy!’— a celebration of the country’s boundless energy, rich culture, and extraordinary experiences. De Lille added that this dynamic campaign invites travellers to rediscover their sense of wonder, embracing the joy that travel to South Africa can unlock.

“In this spirit, we cannot wait to welcome various delegates from across Africa and around the globe to the eThekwini Metro in the province of KwaZulu-Natal for this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba trade show.

“The theme for Africa’s Travel Indaba “Unlimited Africa,” is not just a slogan – it is the essence of this all-important gathering because Africa’s Travel Indaba is not just a trade show. It is a celebration of who we are,” she said.

De Lille said a declaration of what they believe. She said it is a declaration that they want to think and act without limits.

“It is a bold manifestation of the African tourism sector that we, together, are further developing and fulfilling our true potential. To speak of “Unlimited Africa” is to believe in an Africa unbound by stereotype, unhindered by the past, and unleashed in its full potential.

“It means imagining a continent where tourism is not just about visitors but about value. Not just about destinations, but about dignity. Not just about business, but about belonging,” said De Lille.

She said it means seeing themselves not through the lens of others, but through their own proud, radiant perspective – and reflecting that to the world.

Africa’s Travel Indaba: Economic Impact

De Lille said Africa’s Travel Indaba is more than an event. She said it is their collective voice and stories echoing across the globe.

“From its origins over four decades ago as a local platform, Indaba has grown into the most vibrant travel marketplace on the African continent. In 2024 alone, over 9000 delegates walked the halls of the Indaba. Over 1200 exhibitors shared their dreams and 24 000 business meetings turned ideas into action.

“R226 million in direct economic activity was generated right here in Durban, with another R333 million rippling across KwaZulu-Natal. Behind these numbers are real lives, more than 1000 jobs created, opportunities unlocked for youth, for students, and for entrepreneurs from all walks of life,” said De Lille.

She said through funding from the Department of Tourism, 120 SMMEs were empowered to showcase their offerings and access the global stage through our Market Access Support Programme. De Lille said this is what inclusive growth looks like.

“This is a transformation in motion. This is what it means to leave no one behind. As we go into Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, we currently have participation from 26 African countries including South Africa.

“We have also seen consistent interest in the number of tourism products from across the continent. With over 1200 exhibitors currently confirmed, this includes 297 tourism products, demonstrating confidence in the event as a marketplace for African experiences,” she said.

De Lille said this also reflects their success in positioning Indaba as a truly pan-African event. She said notably, their floor space is completely sold out, signalling increased demand and enthusiasm from exhibitors.

“A total of 908 buyers have been vetted and approved, with 7 430 meetings already confirmed on the Indaba online diary platform. Interest is surging from major markets including the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and India.

“In fact, a total of 55 countries are represented in our buyer profile. As we go to Africa’s Travel Indaba, there is much about South Africa to be celebrated and highlighted as is the case for the rest of the African continent. For example, today we are here at Moses Mabhida stadium recognising the value sport plays not only in our economy but the tourism sector too,” said de Lille.

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North West schools win big at NSNP awards

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Picture: The North West schools win big/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

8 December 2024- The North West Department of Education said it is pleased to announce yet another win. This comes after the department took part in the 2024/25 National Schools Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Best Schools and Districts Awards held at Modjadji Primary School in Ga-Selwane village, Phalaborwa, Limpopo on Friday.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the programme was launched in 2009/10 to honour excellence, innovation, and the commitment of districts and schools in effectively implementing the NSNP programme in the country. Motsumi said the North West province obtained three awards out of five categories it was nominated for.

“The Uitschot Primary School from Ottosdal Farms, obtained the second position in best performing farm school in NSNP best practice awards and walked away with the prize money of R40 000. Tholo Primary School in Uitkyk, near Madikwe, obtained the second position in the category of Grade 5 LandScape Milk Parlour and received a certificate and Laminator.

“A learner from the school received a uniform voucher worth R1000. Tshwara-O- Dire Primary from Mogwase received a certificate and a learner from the same school received a school uniform voucher worth R500,” she said.

Motsumi further said Bojanala District was a finalist in the Best Performing District category and walked away with a certificate, while Onkabetse Thuto Secondary School in Setlagole village, was a finalist in the category for Best Performing NSNP Best Practice in the country and received a certificate.

Motsumi added that this recognition highlights the department’s outstanding efforts in promoting the well-being of learners through the NSNP, which plays a crucial role in ensuring that learners receive nutritious meals to support their academic performance and overall health.

“We extend her heartfelt congratulations to all the top achievers, and finalists as well as the rest of the school community that contributed towards this success. On behalf of the department, I wish to congratulate all the winners.

“To the finalists, I urge you not to despair. I am truly proud of the entire team that represented us in Limpopo province. In particular, I am thankful to the food handlers, volunteers, School Governing Bodies (SGB) and the entire team education behind every child fed, and towards this success,” said Motsumi.

She said it has now become a norm that whenever the province competes nationally, they can confidently expect excellent results. Motsumi stressed that these prestigious awards reflect the department’s ongoing dedication to providing healthy and nutritious meals to learners, which is integral to their academic performance.

“These top awards are a clear indication that as a department, we take serious precautions when it comes to the food of learners at school. We know that when learners eat a healthy meal, they are bound to perform well in their studies.

“This recognition not only celebrates the hard work of the department, but also underscores the importance of holistic learner development, combining nutrition with educational excellence,” she said.

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