Gauteng’s MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, has set forth an ambitious and inclusive roadmap for the province’s tourism sector under the theme “Tourism & Sustainable Transformation, Come Find Your Golden Joy – Gauteng Awaits!”

On World Tourism Day 2025, held at the symbolic Constitution Hill’s People’s Park on Saturday, Maile described Gauteng as “the golden province, the seat of the South African Government, the home to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Kwa-Ndonga Ziya-Duma, the connecting point of Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha movement and Nelson Mandela’s rainbow nation.” 

Maile positioned the province as South Africa’s economic powerhouse and as an essential beacon of cultural heritage and resilient transformation.

“Gauteng is determined to reclaim its place as a leading global tourism destination.”

“With a focus on innovation, heritage preservation, and infrastructure development, our province plans to turn its tourism assets into engines of social empowerment and economic opportunity for all its residents,” he said, calling on all sectors to embrace tourism as a catalyst for sustainable growth.

He emphasised that tourism is more than travel: it is “a feel-good industry, a national mood enhancer, and a powerful contributor to our happiness index.” 

Noting the province’s firm but still recoverable tourism performance—accounting for over 3 million international arrivals and generating R41.2 billion in direct revenue—Maile outlined strategies to accelerate recovery and position Gauteng as a vibrant, innovative, and inclusive tourism hub.

From expanding the Gautrain to linking townships to tourism hubs, leveraging Special Economic Zones as gateways for tourism-led development, to hosting world-class international events, Gauteng’s approach aims to be future-proof while being deeply rooted in community upliftment.

Maile also highlighted pioneering legislative reforms and skills development initiatives that have unlocked township potential and cultivated a new generation of tourism professionals.

He stressed the importance of sustainability, safety, and collaboration throughout his address.

“Sustainable tourism transformation means clean, vibrant spaces where residents and visitors can enjoy memorable experiences. It means combating crime decisively, investing in heritage sites, and sharing tourism’s benefits equitably across our communities.”

With a clear call to action, Maile urged the sector and the public to participate in shaping Gauteng’s tourism future, promising increased government investment and partnerships to ensure the province remains a compelling destination on the African and global stage.

“Come find your golden joy in Gauteng, a province where history, culture, innovation, and opportunity converge,” he concluded.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za

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