South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has embarked on a three-day visit to Ghana to strengthen bilateral relations and promote cultural and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The outreach mission seeks to position South Africa as a premier destination for leisure and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) tourism while also fostering stronger trade and tourism partnerships.
According to South Africa’s Department of Tourism, de Lille’s itinerary includes high-level engagements with Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla-Dzifa Gomashie, as well as key industry stakeholders, the South Africa-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, and leading media representatives.
Strengthening Tourism and Trade Relations
Speaking on the significance of the visit, de Lille highlighted Ghana’s growing importance as a key market for South African tourism.
“Ghana and the broader African continent are incredibly important markets for South Africa’s tourism sector,” she said.
One of the key milestones in South Africa- Ghana relations came in November 2023 with the introduction of a visa-free travel agreement. This landmark policy change allows citizens of both nations to travel visa-free for up to 90 days annually, significantly boosting both business and leisure tourism.
Since the implementation of the visa waiver, the number of Ghanaian visitors to South Africa has surged. In 2024 alone, Ghana recorded a 149% increase in tourist arrivals, with 36,656 Ghanaian travelers visiting South Africa—an increase largely attributed to the relaxed travel regulations and targeted marketing campaigns by South African Tourism.
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“We recognise the immense potential of intra-African travel to drive economic development, cultural exchange, and shared prosperity. It is for this reason that we are conducting this outreach mission to strengthen relations and partnerships with our counterparts in Ghana,” she stated.
The visit also comes as South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit later this year, further highlighting the country’s increasing global influence and commitment to fostering partnerships within Africa.
Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
De Lille emphasized that intra-African travel plays a crucial role in economic development and cultural exchange, reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to strengthening tourism ties across the continent.
