MEDIA STATEMENT 26 MARCH 2026

The Tshwane Council has approved the Tshwane Tourism Strategy and Masterplan, setting a clear path to grow tourism and create more than 100 000 jobs by 2030.

The strategy aims to increase domestic visitors from 2.6 million to 3.2 million per year, and international visitors from 800 000 to 1.2 million. This growth is expected to add nearly R10 billion in annual spending to the local economy.

“The Tshwane Tourism Strategy and Masterplan sets out a clear and measurable plan to grow tourism, expand our visitor base, and unlock meaningful economic opportunities for our residents,” said MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Councillor Sarah Mabotsa.

The plan focuses on several key priorities, including:

• Expanding and diversifying tourism offerings
• Strengthening marketing and positioning of Tshwane as a tourism brand
• Building stronger partnerships across the tourism sector

“We are deliberately repositioning Tshwane as a competitive tourism destination, both locally and globally, while ensuring that the benefits of tourism extend beyond traditional centres into township and rural economies,” said Mabotsa.

The City has already established the Tshwane Tourism Forum to improve coordination between public and private stakeholders.

The strategy places strong emphasis on township economies. A proposed tourism node from Wonderboom Airport to Hammanskraal is expected to unlock opportunities in Regions 1 and 2. The plan also promotes niche tourism in culture, heritage, lifestyle, events, and outdoor experiences.

Tourism must work for all our communities. This strategy prioritises inclusive growth by supporting township enterprises, unlocking new tourism nodes, and creating space for small businesses to participate meaningfully in the sector,” said Mabotsa.

Tourism remains one of South Africa’s fastest growing and most labour-intensive sectors. It is a key driver of entrepreneurship and job creation.

The strategy aligns with the City’s Tshwane Economic Revitalisation Strategy, which identifies tourism, including the MICE sector, as a priority for growth.

“We are building a diversified tourism economy, with a strong focus on the MICE sector, to attract investment, grow visitor numbers, and drive sustained job creation,” said Mabotsa.

Tshwane continues to attract major events. The Gastronomy Africa conference and expo will take place in the city on 3 and 4 August 2026, bringing together industry leaders from across the continent.

“By securing events such as Gastronomy Africa, we are strengthening Tshwane’s position as a host city for continental and global gatherings, with direct benefits for our local economy,” said Mabotsa.

Tshwane is South Africa’s safest city, according to the latest State of Urban Safety Report. It is also one of the fastest growing metros, hosts one of the largest diplomatic communities in the world, and is the only metro with a Big 5 game reserve.

“Tshwane has a unique and compelling tourism offering. We are ready to take this to the world and to welcome the world to our capital city,” said Mabotsa.

Enquiries: Mark Rountree (markrountree@tshwane.gov.za)