Tourism Recovery Update

Join us in celebrating near-full tourism recovery from the USA to South Africa! In August, South African Tourism's strategic insights unit shared the data that YTD (January-August) tourism arrivals from the USA are at 93.3% percent recovery compared to the same period 2019.

This year-to-date result puts the U.S. as the top overseas market for South Africa and that is huge testament to the trade's continued advocacy and support for the destination," said Jerry Mpufane, president of South African Tourism North America. "We look forward to working together to build on this momentum by showcasing South Africa's transformative travel experiences, vibrant people, and almost unbeatable value for money."

Thanks to all our partners in the travel trade that have sent clients or traveled to South Africa this year. Let's work together to get to 100% before year end!

What We're Up To: APTA Global Forum

At the end of September, South African Tourism's North America team headed to Cape Town for the APTA Global Forum. This year marked an important milestone as it was the first time APTA (Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa) has hosted their Global Forum on the African Continent.

To celebrate this monumental occasion, South African Tourism welcomed the group to the Mother City by hosting an event themed the South African Tourism Night Market. The event featured a wide variety of local flair, cuisine, and culture to showcase South Africa's unparalleled variety of world class tourism offerings. Delegates of the Forum enjoyed a performance by the Cape Minstrels, a variety of local food and wine, exciting dance performances, an Amapiano masterclass, and a sustainability village featuring local crafters.

South Africa is proud to be the first host destination in Africa for the APTA Forum. If you are interested in committing to growing your business to Africa joining this organization, click here.

Southern Right Whales (photo by Barry Skinstad)

Whale Heritage Site Designation

South Africa's stunning Plettenberg Bay has recently been certified as an official Whale Heritage Site (WHS), one of only three in South Africa to obtain the status, and one of only seven fully accredited WHS designations worldwide.

Plettenberg Bay is situated between two Marine Protected Areas (Tsitsikamma and Robberg) on the Garden Route. It supports diverse ocean wildlife, including Humpback whales, Southern Right whales, Bryde's whales, Killer whales (Orcas) and Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphins.

The WHS program is an initiative created by the World Cetacean Alliance, and currently runs in partnership with World Animal Protection, to formally recognize and accredit destinations around the world that support and demonstrate the importance of cetaceans and their ocean habitats. These sites empower and defend the right of local communities to care for and protect whales, dolphins, and porpoises through a collaborative management partnership.

They showcase an entire community and their relationship with the ocean by encouraging respectful human-cetacean coexistence – celebrating cetaceans in local culture, arts, and events; supporting local economic and environmental sustainability; and developing locally based science, research and education.

Johannesburg Featured on the Cover of United's Hemispheres Magazine

If you fly on United Airlines this month, you'll see South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg, gracing its cover. The article is titled "Three Perfect Days: Johannesburg" and covers top experiences in this exciting cultural hotspot and urban metropolis, fondly called Jozi by locals.

Did you know that United Airlines offers flights from Newark (EWR) to Johannesburg (JNB) seven days a week? With so much direct air connectivity, it's never been easier to send your clients to South Africa.

Don't miss this article so you can stay up to date with what's new in Johannesburg and see why you need to include a few days exploring the city in your clients' itineraries.

Experience of the Month: Faeeza's Home Kitchen

Faeeza's home is nestled on the corner of a courtyard in the heart of Cape Town's colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, which is considered the historical center of Cape Malay culture. Faeeza's Home Kitchen is where travelers come to experience her passion for food, her culture, her life journey, and stories... all while learning about authentic Cape Malay cuisine.

Faeeza grew up in Bo-Kaap eating the delicious Cape Malay Dishes her mother used to cook. Her professional journey with cooking and catering began when she opened a sandwich kiosk at the University of Cape Town, and 25 years later she was asked to organize cooking classes for local and international tourists. "I love interacting with people from all over the world and live out my passion for food!" said Faeeza, "Malay food is not just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that will change the way you think of food forever. We offer more than food; we offer a Bo-Kaap cultural experience."

Cooking classes at Faeeza's Home Kitchen are fully interactive. Your clients can learn to roll rotis, fry chili bites, cook curry, and will be wrapping samosas in no time. Tours that blend food with the local Bo-Kaap culture are also available.