Good Year for SA Tourism Despite Challenges in 2022

SUMMARY – DESPITE CHALLENGES, SOUTH AFRICA’S TOURISM INDUSTRY EXPERIENCED A POSITIVE YEAR IN 2022, WITH INCREASED VISITOR NUMBERS AND PROMISING DOMESTIC TRIPS, DRIVEN BY A GROWING INTEREST IN PURPOSE-DRIVEN TRAVEL TRENDS.

---

Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu reveals positive growth in South African tourism. From January to June, 2.2 million people visited the country, and by October, the number had risen to 4.2 million. Domestically, the tourism sector also experienced a boost with 15.2 million trips within the country during the first half of the year.

2022 served as a wake-up call, bringing a renewed sense of life and revival to the travel sector. Many of us are now seeking fresh adventures and innovative ways to explore while we still can.

Travel trends such as staycations, revenge travel, bleisure adventures, heritage holidays, multi-generational jaunts, luxury time-outs, and sustainable tourism are gaining popularity. The goal is to sustain these trends in the coming year.

Profitroom Boosts Revenue for Hotels

Profitroom, a world-class booking platform, has successfully onboarded 61 hotels since the start of the pandemic, with another 60 scheduled to go live in the next three months. Implementing the Profitroom booking solution has resulted in direct revenue increases of 49% to 150% for these hotels.

Direct revenue is crucial for hotels as it reduces costs and eliminates the need to pay intermediaries.

South Africa is currently the fastest-growing international market for Profitroom, while Profitroom itself is the fastest-growing hotel booking engine in the South African market.

By utilizing technology to address people’s desire for meaningful, flexible, and holistic travel experiences, we can ensure the sustainability of the travel industry and the destinations people visit.

James Vos, mayoral member for economic growth, expresses confidence in the tourism industry’s continued improvement. In Cape Town, tourism can economically empower communities and showcase the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage to visitors.

The City’s economic growth directorate, in collaboration with Cape Town Tourism, will work tirelessly to establish more city-to-city connections, secure direct flights, and trade agreements. Clever campaigns, backed by conversion strategies, will drive demand and increase visitor numbers, benefiting local businesses.

 

RELATED

---