​Thembisa Shologu
Gauteng, a province that continues to make strides in the tourism industry, remains the most visited province in South Africa and the continent's most globally connected tourism gateway. 
Addressing the media on Gauteng tourism sector performance on Sunday, MEC for Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, said the province recorded about 3.8 million international arrivals in 2024/25, up from 2.6 million in the previous year.
"As a result of this massive increase in international arrivals into our province, the foreign direct spend or international tourism revenue contribution also rose to a whopping R41 billion, smashing our target of R29 billion decisively.
"This growth was not accidental; it is the product of targeted strategic investment in increased airlift capacity, new air routes development, heightened and impact-driven destination marketing initiatives and strategic bidding and hosting of catalytic signature events, conferences, and exhibitions," said MEC Maile. 
Gauteng has achieved 6.4million domestic trips and generated a total of R21 billion in domestic spending, underscoring the residents' pride and participation in the provincial tourism economy and offerings. 
More than R1.8 billion was realised as direct contributions of hosted quality signature events in the province. A total of R19 million in revenue was generated for SMMEs, underscoring the transformative nature of tourism and quality events hosting and leveraging in the province.
Signature events that boost tourism contributed R1.8 billion directly to the economy and R19 million to SMMEs, with the Chris Brown concert generating R900 million and creating 6,000 temporary jobs.
"Moving forward, we need to build a well-defined and socialised Gauteng Tourism, Sports and Wellness Route and a structured and inclusive Gauteng Music Tourism Route as new catalytic visitor economy products and experiences in association with partners like our legendary football, rugby and cricket teams, stadium management and federations," said the MEC. 
As Gauteng prepares to host the G20 World Leaders Summit, Maile emphasised that the province's tourism sector, along with its sub-industries, must adjust, be agile, and responsive now, with a focus on future growth.
The province will also participate in the development of digital technologies that ensure its destination is Always on and Always Connected. 
"We must play in the gaming development solutions, support sports academies and coaching development initiatives that seek to bring visitors for an extended stay in our destination. 
"We need to explore cost-effective data and insights-driven collaborations with these acts that are international in their own right on selling and positioning our province effectively in these markets using the power of the creative sector and its soft currency," MEC Maile said.
CEO for Gauteng Tourism Authority, Sthembiso Dlamini, said that domestic tourism was the backbone of the tourism economy. 
Gauteng remains the net exporter of domestic travel, thanks to its high number of people with a sizable disposable income per capita.
Dlamini said that part of their strategy was to ensure that major events held in Gauteng are secure, thereby driving domestic tourism, including sport tourism.
"We are a sporting nation and Gauteng is that mecca for sporting events, so sporting tourism becomes one of our focus areas in driving domestic tourism," she said. 
Significantly, the provincial government, together with the private sector and various SETAs, will revive GaRankuwa Hotel School to a world-class tourism and hospitality facility.
In addition, Gauteng will host the National World Tourism Day on 27th September 2025 in Constitution Hill and the leading global golf event, the LIV Golf South Africa, from 20-22 March 2026 in Steyn City.