The Department of Tourism is happy to report that South Africa has ranked highest in the African region in the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) by the World Economic Forum, despite challenges faced by the country’s tourism sector due to its rapid recovery and efforts to boost tourism growth.
The World Economic Forum has released its second edition of the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024. South Africa was placed 55th out of 119 countries in the report, which was issued earlier this week. In the rankings for the African continent, it likewise came out on top.
The greatest travel and tourism economy in Africa is found in South Africa, according to the TTDI research.
119 Economies Were Included in the Index.
119 economies are included under the TTDI 2024. It gauges the combination of variables and laws that support the robust and sustainable growth of the travel and tourism industry. This ultimately aids in a nation’s development.
Patricia de Lille, the Minister of Tourism, praised the results. She said it was evidence of the sector’s collaborations and efforts.
“We are really happy with this ranking as it validates our dedication and efforts to raise the importance and contribution of the tourism sector in South Africa,” the spokesperson stated. The last year has seen the tourism industry see strong growth. Closer ties and cooperation with the commercial sector are to blame for this. These sought to maximize the growth potential of tourism.
South Africa rose seven spots in the 2024 Index from its previous position. It received great marks for price competitiveness, ICT readiness, natural resources, and the socioeconomic impact of travel and tourism.
“We are thrilled with the expansion. Our goal is still to grow arrivals and the tourism industry’s overall performance at an exponential rate. The industry currently contributes significantly to both the GDP and efforts to create jobs in South Africa.
“More Work Has to Be Done.” — Minister
However, a great deal more work needs to be done. Our increased collaboration with the private sector is paying off. I would want to express my gratitude to the private sector stakeholders in tourism for their tireless efforts. Additionally, for working with the government to develop this vital and fascinating industry,” stated De Lille.
“Our people are the biggest asset to the tourism industry in South Africa. We’ll keep pushing to increase tourism’s positive impact on global and human prosperity.
South Africa hosted over 8.5 million foreign tourists in 2023. Africa accounted for 6.4 million of these. By comparison, this is a noteworthy 48.9% rise over arrivals in 2022.
In the first quarter of 2024, from January to March, South Africa received 2.4 million foreign tourists. This is a noteworthy rise of 15.4% over the same period in 2023.
Concerning the TDDI
The purpose of the TTDI is to provide stakeholders with an essential benchmarking tool for assessing the development of the travel and tourism industry. to assist in making investment and policy decisions.
It provides information about the advantages and shortcomings of the travel and tourist industries. Additionally, the way that travel and tourism development are interconnected, as well as how they support multi-stakeholder dialogue and strategic planning. This will promote resilient and sustained growth on a number of fronts.
The Development Framework of the Index examines a number of variables related to each nation’s travel and tourist economies. These are the following:
Infrastructure and Services (air transport infrastructure, ground and port infrastructure, tourist services and infrastructure), Travel and Tourism Resources, Enabling Environment (business environment, safety and security, health and hygiene), and Travel and Tourism Policy and Enabling Conditions (prioritization of travel and tourism, openness to travel and tourism, and price competitiveness).
The TTDI is a component of the World Economic Forum’s larger engagement with government and business partners. This aim to create a future for local communities and economies that is more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.
Prestigious Travel and Tourism Stakeholder Groups
Leading travel and tourism stakeholder organizations, thought leaders and data partners also contributed to the development of the research.
We will keep collaborating with all partners as the government and private sectors of the South African travel and tourism industry. We’ll continue to examine the TTDI results in order to pinpoint the areas in which significant work and changes are required. This aims to raise South Africa’s position even higher.
We are still dedicated to enhancing and solidifying South Africa’s position as a top vacation destination worldwide. Increasing the economy’s contribution from tourism and creating jobs in the process De Lille came to an end.
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