Tourism Month in South Africa is more than just a celebration: it is a reminder of how deeply our heritage, culture, and natural beauty are woven into the fabric of our national identity. Each September, we pause to reflect on the role that tourism plays in building bridges between communities, preserving our heritage, and showcasing our nation to the world. From vibrant cities to rural landscapes, South Africa’s diversity is a story told through its people, traditions, languages, and historical landmarks.
Our heritage forms the foundation of this celebration. It is through recognising our cultural practices, historical sites, and living traditions that we are able to present a unique experience to both domestic and international visitors. Heritage is not only about the past, it is about how we carry it into the future and share it in a way that fosters pride and inclusivity.
Tourism remains a key driver of South Africa’s economy. It creates jobs, stimulates local businesses, and supports infrastructure development. Importantly, it encourages cross-cultural understanding and positions South Africa as a global destination that blends natural wonders with cultural richness. In times of economic challenge, tourism offers opportunities for growth, innovation, and resilience.
At the North-West University (NWU), we are proud to support Tourism Month. As an institution of higher learning, we contribute through research, innovation, and the development of skilled graduates in tourism and related fields. We also recognise that tourism is a vehicle for social cohesion and economic empowerment. These are values that align with our commitment to making a difference in South Africa and beyond.
NWU hosts International Tourism Week
The North-West University (NWU) hosted the International Tourism Week Symposium from 9 to 11 September 2025 at The Willows Garden Hotel in Potchefstroom. The symposium brought together academics, students, and industry experts from across the globe to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of tourism.
On Wednesday, 10 September, the programme featured keynote addresses by internationally acclaimed scholars. Prof Bernd Eisenstein from Germany spoke on measuring social sustainability in tourism, Dr Aaron Tkaczynski from Australia explored how storytelling can connect tourists to sustainability actions, and Dr Elisha Woyo from the United Kingdom examined the reimagining of accessible tourism. These sessions highlighted the importance of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in a rapidly evolving global tourism industry...read more
How SA can beat the overtourism trap
Man the gates, the tourists are coming! Popular European destinations such as Barcelona, Paris and Venice are being laid to siege by an unrelenting influx of tourists, prompting residents to take to the streets in protest, sometimes disruptively so. It is a tourism meltdown, and an untenable situation for those living in the very cities tourists flock to.
Budget airlines, cheap transport and low-cost accommodation have fueled this migration headache, and many of the discontented would scoff at the idea of us South Africans celebrating Tourism Month in September.
But, surely there are lessons to be learned from Europe’s overtourism dilemma? Prof Elmarie Slabbert, director of the research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North-West University (NWU), concurs...read more
