Johannesburg Springs into Action as Tourism Gains Momentum
As the warm spring sunshine bathes Johannesburg in a golden glow, the city is gearing up for an exciting season of travel and tourism, with a calendar bursting with festivals and events set to captivate both locals and international visitors.
Laura Vercueil, the Public Relations and Communications Manager for Joburg Tourism, expressed the city’s enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, “September is Tourism Month in South Africa, with the United Nations World Tourism Organization celebrating World Tourism Day annually on 27 September. It’s also the start of the spring season, an ideal time of year to explore and experience our beautiful country and our great city of Johannesburg.”
However, while the anticipation for a bustling tourism season is palpable, recent statistics from SA Tourism indicate the need for strategic measures to revitalize the sector. The country’s tourism industry has faced significant challenges, experiencing a 22% decrease in Q1 2023 compared to 2019 levels. Despite a 57.6% increase in tourist arrivals compared to 2022, South Africa still falls short of its targets.
“Tourist spending, on the other hand, has not only rebounded but soared to R22.5 billion this quarter, marking a 101.9% growth over last year and a 28.4% increase compared to the same period in 2019,” noted SA Tourism. However, the geographic spread index has contracted to 8.0% this quarter, down 3.0% from last year and still trailing the 11.8% from April 2019.
In response to these challenges, Vercueil highlighted the opportunities and initiatives that could reshape the tourism industry’s trajectory. Among them is the eagerly anticipated Sho’t Left Travel Week 2023, offering a platform to showcase travel deals and attract domestic tourists.
Sho’t Left Travel Week is an annual extravaganza where South Africa’s tourism industry rolls out exclusive and irresistible travel deals. “The Great South African sale hosted by Sho’t Left is open to every member of the tourism industry, with discounts going as far as 50% off,” Vercueil explained. South African Tourism encouraged a wide range of businesses, from accommodations and airlines to car rental companies, museums, restaurants, and experiential ventures, to participate by registering their deals for this year’s Travel Week.
“Demand for domestic travel is on the rise, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, offering a glimmer of hope, especially in a city like Johannesburg, which is replete with hidden gems, unique experiences, and unforgettable memories to share with both local and international travelers,” Vercueil emphasized.
She concluded by underlining the adaptability of businesses in Johannesburg, stating that every new season brings change, and local establishments are eager to provide visitors with distinctive experiences in the “city of gold.”
