Introduction
Establishing accommodation on your farm to encourage getaways or tourism can be a second revenue stream. It also communicates the farmer’s story to the public.
- Rural tourism is a concept which covers tourist activity devised and managed by local people, and based on the strengths of the natural and human environment.
- Ecotourism is about travelling to a natural area to understand the environment and history there “whilst producing economic opportunities that make conservation of natural resources financially beneficial to local citizens” (The Ecotourism Society, 1992).
- Agritourism is a much narrower concept, referring to the different forms of tourism related to agrarian activities and/or buildings with an agrarian function. This particular form of rural tourism is, therefore, run by farmers, usually as a secondary activity, with farming remaining the principle occupation and source of income.
- Often, a distinction is made between agritourism and the term farm tourism (farmstays), which is used to refer simply to the use of former farmhouses as tourist accommodation.
Sources: The late Peter Myles, Tourism Specialist
International business environment
Tourism showcases a country’s identity and offering to the world. In 2022, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed 7.6% to global GDP; an increase of 22% from 2021 and only 23% below 2019 levels (World Travel & Tourism Council, 2023).
TOURISM AND AGRICULTURE
- International Workshops on Agritourism – www.agritourismworkshop.com
- Agricultural Tour Operators International (ATOI) www.atoi.org ATOI is a worldwide association of tour operators that specialise in the business of agricultural travel.
- LauriK International Agritours https://laurik.com.ar/category/agritours
- Find the agritourism page on the Agricultural Marketing Resource Centre (USA) website, www.agmrc.org/commodities-products/agritourism.
- Watch YouTube videos like the TED talk “Agritourism: Every Field has a Story” or “Fork to Farmer”.
- Agritourism Ideas www.agritourismideas.com (USA)
- A website marketing farmstays in New Zealand – www.ruralholidays.co.nz
- Read about what this Canadian honey farmer has done to turn his farm into an “adventure farm” – see www.clovermead.com.
GENERAL TOURISM
- www.unwto.org, website of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
- World Travel and Tourism Council, www.wttc.org
- World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, www.wftga.org.
- African Tourism Board https://africantourismboard.com
- Find the latest World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report at http://reports.weforum.org.
- Southern & East African Tourism Update, www.tourismupdate.co.za
- Tourism Satellite Accounts (TSAs) provide a summary of tourism data worldwide. Find them on the internet.
Local business environment
Tourism has been identified as one of the sectors in which South Africa can create jobs (see the “National strategy and government contact” heading). It is labour intensive and, apart from a sincere intention towards clients who are in your care, need not require a high level of skills. And when tourism is happening, jobs are not only created in the travel and tourism sector, but also in many other areas of the economy.
Tourism to South Africa climbed from 491,439 in 2000 to over 10 million in 2019. The COVID pandemic caused a huge reverse and in 2021 the number dropped to just over 3 million. There has been some recovery. In 2022 the number of tourists was 5.6 million. It also was responsible for 3.7% of the GDP (Fourie & Blaauw, 2023).
For the newcomer
Few countries in the world have South Africa’s diverse farming diversity e.g. a capacity for the production of bananas (a tropical fruit) as well as cherries (which require a cold winter). In addition there is poultry as well as ostrich meat, wine and dry fruit, all the grain types, red meat and dairy products, and fresh potatoes throughout the year. In recent years vast stretches of land have been studied and improved to create new tourist destinations.
Two factors contribute to the attractiveness of a tourism region:
- The primary features (software) – climate, ecology, cultural attractions, traditional architecture, land forms;
- The secondary destination features (hardware) – the developments introduced specifically for tourists such as hotels, catering, transport, activities and amusements.
Attractions on a farm could include:
- Bed and Breakfast, self-catering accommodation
- Game viewing, hunting, bird watching, hiking, biking, 4 x 4 routes, fly fishing, boating, horse riding and many more
- Rounding up cattle, mustering sheep, dipping, dosing, inoculating, shearing
- Ploughing, planting, cultivating, harvesting
- Products for sale (cheese, essential oils, ostrich feathers, meat etc)
- Farmstays offer a nature-based tourism experience in an exclusive environment.
What can you offer in terms of arts and crafts, adventure, cultural, historic, agricultural, environmental, etc? Do some market research:
- Who are your competitors?
- What are they offering and at what price?
The next tasks for research are:
- Determine who your target customers are, demographically and psychographically
- How many of them are likely to visit you?
- How often are they likely to visit you?
- What would they like to experience?
- How best do you reach them – cost effectively?
Consider the advantages of clustering:
- There are huge advantages for marketing farmstays in South Africa if only farms in an area would co-operate in order to compete by forming an agritourism cluster.
- This would facilitate developing a strong brand identity, corporate communications strategy, theme route and package tours e.g. wine route.
- Independent farms may be successful in attracting independent travelers via a good interactive website, but generally tour operators prefer a cluster of attractions and accommodation for group tours.
Examples of clusters:
- Thomas River Conservancy where nine farms clustered to form a 31 000 hectare conservancy built around the theme of the old railway village of Thomas River.
- Kouga Canyons Conservancy – 35 farms clustered to form an historic conservation corridor linking the Baviaanskloof mega-reserve through the Kouga Mountains to Tsitsikamma and recreating an ancient wildlife migration route cut off by farming 250 years ago.
See the page on conservancies for more examples and ideas.
Consider theme routes. In many parts of the world tourist routes have opened up new areas for exploration that have previously been bypassed by mainstream traffic travelling on national highways from one destination to another.
Tourist routes comprise:
- Gateways and Entry Points
- Staging Posts
- Destinations
- Distribution Points
Consider signing concepts:
- Normal Tourism Advance Turn Signs – Turn Off, In/Onto Tourism Route / Area.
- “Welcome” Signs – Entry Points.
- Confirmation Signs – Leaving a Town.
- Tourist Route Marker Signs.
- Information Points – Strategic Road Junctions
Overall, the requirements for an agritourism route include:
- Birth of a new agritourism destination
- Tourism audit and analysis
- Strategy development
- Branding exercise based on International Best Practice
- Development of theme routes
- Electronic supported marketing/web page
- Capacity building
- Community involvement
- Strategy follows structure
Source: Peter Myles, Tourism Specialist
Use your advantages
Consider what unique advantage you can offer visitors. A beautiful view? Something of historical interest? An exceptional dining experience? The chance to experience some aspect of a working farm? A unique natural sighting or experience?
Jan and Riette Griesel from Springfontein in the Free State run a highly successful, award-winning B&B. One of their attractions is a very scarce bird identified a few years ago in the region, the Kimberley pipit. Many people have visited the B&B just to try to catch a glimpse of this bird. This is a good example of how a B&B can become successful by promoting its unique advantages (see www.garingboom.co.za).
In addition, each farming district has its own local history and recreational activities. Mention these in your marketing strategy. Guests are always on the lookout for a B&B that gives them the authentic flavour of the region.
Source: Greg Miles, writing in Farmer’s Weekly, 30 March 2015
Agritourism Africa. 2020, November 27. "How to develop an Agritourism Route in your region".
Further reference:
- See our blog “Fynbos on the Edge – Taking Nature-Based Tourism in the Northern Cape to New Heights”.
- Find the many articles penned by Agritourism South Africa for various publications on www.agritourismsouthafrica.com.
- Find the Agritourism Africa and Agritourism South Africa videos on YouTube.
- Find the “Agritourism” option under “lifestyle” on the Farmer’s Weekly, www.farmersweekly.co.za. Articles include “Agritourism basics: Could you make it work?”, “Food and accommodation: what to provide and how to market it” and “Business and legal implications of an agritourism venture“. Agritourism featured as the Bottom Line article in 2015. See “Agritourism adds value to agriculture” at www.farmersweekly.co.za/bottomline/agritourism-adds-value-to-agriculture/
- Find Best Practice Guidelines: tourism & recreation on the Conservation at Work website, www.conservationatwork.co.za.
- Find the presentation “Developing wildlife tourism as part of a sustainable wildlife industry” (includes statistics and strategies for eco tourism) on the Wildlife Ranching SA website, www.wrsa.co.za.
- Find the Department of Trade and Industry study, Avitourism in South Africa (Niche Tourism Markets) at www.thedtic.gov.za or at www.birdlife.org.za. The publication includes notes on how to start your own avitourism business.
- Your local tourism authority usually has various brochures and pamphlets about starting your own tourism business. Contact them, or try their website (see under the “National strategy and government contact” heading).
- Sheridan, B. 2009. “5 Ways to Make Money in Agritourism”. Hobby Farms. Available at www.hobbyfarms.com/5-ways-to-make-money-in-agritourism/
Find other websites, publication and articles under the last heading on this page.
Some farm and eco-tourism examples
- Adem Guest Farm has a 4 Star rating obtained at the South African Tourism Council, and is also affiliated with the AA. It offers exclusive accommodation and conference facilities. See www.ademgasteplaas.co.za.
- Situated 40 minutes away from the Atlantic Ocean, nestled in the “wild beauty of the West Coast, is the rooibos farm African Dawn. The Cedarberg area offers “fascinating rock sculptures, San rock paintings and dazzling wild flower Spring-spectacle”. Visit fascinating rock sculptures, San rock paintings and dazzling wild flower Spring-spectacle”. Visit www.africandawn.com.
- The Amatola Wild Trout Flyfishing (www.amatolaflyfishingclub.co.za) experience is linked to several lodges and farms offering accommodation.
- Avoca River Cabins near the Addo Elephant Park offers a conference and wedding venue, game drives and riverside chalets. It is based on a citrus farm. Visit http://avocarivercabins.co.za.
- Beestekuil holiday farm near Middleburg in the Eastern Cape offers white water rafting, abseiling and overnight hikes among the usual activities (horse riding etc). Trips to Grootfontein Agricultural College, historical Graaff Reinett, fossil sights and bushman paintings are among the area’s attractions. See www.beestekuil.com.
- Blueberry Heights is located in the Magoebaskloof mountains, “a unique land of mountains, lakes and forests”. Pick you own fresh, organic blueberries in season. The farm also has lots of wildlife and beautiful birds to encounter. See http://blueberryheights.co.za/turaco-farm-cottage.
- Bosheuvel Country Estate runs a Pinzgauer stud cattle; produces craft beer, cheese, furniture and wood products; supplies plants from an indigenous tree nursery, organic compost and cow hides, free range pigs and sheep. This is in addition to a deli, restaurant and lodgings. Visit www.bosheuvelestate.co.za.
- A dairy farm, Cairnbrogie lies on the country’s scenic Garden Route. It offers forests, coastal cliffs, “secret coves”, tracks and trails, sporting events and a cafe. Take a look at http://cairnbrogie.co.za.
- Near Bergville, Cammeldraai farm offers the opportunity for a travel break. A snack or a meal, home made biltong, coffee, jungle gym, trampoline and a view of the Drakensberg mountains. Visit http://theoutspan.com.
- Canettevallei is a wine and lavender farm outside Stellenbosch. The lavender is grown using organic practices and farm fresh lavender products (essential oils, honey, fresh bunches of lavender, lavender rice etc) are offered. Visit www.canettevalleilavender.co.za.
- A tour around the farm is offered by many farming operations, either for a price or part of other attractions (a curios, products etc). Based in Mpumalanga, Da Gama offers tours through its avocado oil factory. See www.dagamaoils.co.za.
- De Denne is situated on an ostrich farm. Activities include the private tour to view the various aspects of farming with ostriches, including a visit to the incubator room to watch hatching chicks. Accommodation ranges from Deluxe suites to an en suite bedroom. Visit www.dedenne.com.
- Meerkats are the big attraction at De Zeekoe Guest farm in Oudtshoorn, along with regular farm life and other fauna and flora (162 bird species!). Attractions in the area include the Cango Caves and ostrich farms. See www.meerkatadventures.co.za and www.dezeekoe.co.za.
- Elandskloof Trout Farm runs a number of activities that you can learn about at www.elandskloof.co.za. These include adventure camps, fishing, hunting, horse riding.
- Glen Oakes farm www.glenoakes.co.za In addition to farm activities, paintball and abseiling are offered. It also serves as a positive when attractions in the district include sea kayaking, paragliding, wine tasting, whale watching etc!
- www.honeywoodfarm.co.za – John Moody, former chairperson of the South African Bee Industry Organisation, adds beekeeping and bee products to other agri-tourism activities like birding, horse riding, hiking etc at Honeywood Farm.
- The Karoo Highlands Route runs through sheep-farming territory, linking several towns like Sutherland, Williston, Beaufort West, Victoria West. Attractions include Khoi and San rock art in the hills, and cycling and hiking trails. Find the guest farms and lodges at www.openafrica.org/route/Karoo-Highlands-Route.
- Karoo Pred-a-tours and Karoo Cat Research centre offer a farm stay with a difference: viewing and learning about nature’s small cats, caracal, serval, African wild cat and the black-footed cat. Bushman art, bird watching and other activities are also offered. Accommodation is offered on a B&B, self or fully catered basis. See www.karoocats.org.
- The Klein River Cheese Farm offers artisan cheese, picnics and the experience of the Trees for Tourism rehabilitation site, “a dedicated project to restore one of the few remaining riparian forests on the Klein River”. Read more at http://kleinrivercheese.co.za/farmstead/trees-for-tourism/.
- Marlu Guest Farm Stay “is the ideal family farm stay destination, also ideally suited for father and son weekends as well as team building excursions for businesses and schools”. See www.marlu.co.za.
- Koelfontein is part of the Waboomsberg Conservancy which aims to protect a valuable ecosystem. It has also been recognised as a Conservation Champion by the WWF for the work done in preserving the virgin indigenous fynbos. It is a dried fruit, fresh fruit, wine and beef farm offering accommodation. Visit http://koelfontein.co.za.
- Norspoort has “three converging plant biomes include Cycads, Euphorbias and Haworthias and is host to a wide variety of Karoo bird species”. It is an Angora goat and cattle farm, and offers transqullity and self-catering. See www.noorspoort.co.za.
- Otters’ Haunt offers several cottages and activities like rafting on the Vaal, mountain biking and trails on their farm, 2km from Parys. Read more www.otters.co.za.
- Ratho Bush Camp and Rakwena Crocodile Farm feature accommodation and, well, crocodiles, www.ratho.co.za.
- Red Baron Tomatoes run farm visits. Find the “Farm tours” option at www.redbaron.co.za. Week day tours, lasting between two and three hours, are conducted for groups of up to 35 school children.
- Read about the Rooibos Route – activities and accommodation – at http://rooibos-route.co.za. Also see under the “tourism routes” option at www.clanwilliam.info.
- The Nicholsons developed a range of activities for school groups on their farm near Richmond in KwaZulu-Natal. Obstacle courses, group dynamic exercises and leadership development programmes are included. Read about the Roselands Outdoor Adventure Centre at www.roselands.co.za
- Earthrise Mountain Lodge at Rustler’s Valley, owned by Naledi Farmers’ Co-operative offers accommodation, hiking, conference facilities and work has begun on other attractions. See www.earthrisemountainlodge.co.za and read our blogs on Rustler’s.
- Accommodation at Summerplace Farm Stay ranges from the luxurious Summerview to The Shed (don’t let the name fool you: it’s also classy!) A swimming-pool, braais, a network of trails (hike or bike) … see www.summerplacefarmstay.com.
- Thaba Manzi Ranch has various livestock operations: dairy, Nguni cattle, sheep, game and European wild boar. Rock climbing, swimming, hikes, mountain biking etc are activities offered. See www.thabamanziranch.co.za.
- On the sunny northern slopes of the Amatola mountain range, 19 farmers have made over 31 000 hectares of beautiful farmland available for conservation and recreation. Fishing, birding, farm holidays, weddings, a restaurant are all among the offerings. Visit the Thomas River Conservancy website at www.thomasriver.com.
- Tierhoek Organic Farm offers “private pools, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and complete privacy”. Farm life includes donkeys, sheep, pigs and chickens. The area offers wineries, boat trips, game drives, art galleries etc. See www.tierhoekorganic.com.
- Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij offers accommodation, guided tours (an hour and fifteen minutes) into the art of cheesemaking, picnics, walks etc. Visit www.vangaalen.co.za.
- The main attraction on Vlakbult Guest Farm is the essential oils tour. Accommodation (wedding facilities), rock art, mountain climbing, fishing are also offered. Visit www.highlandessentialoils.co.za and www.vlakbultguestfarm.co.za.
- Welgelegen Cherry Estate is situated in the Eastern Free State, 40 km from Clarens, lying in the picturesque Witteberg mountains and overlooking the Maluti mountains. Read more at www.cherryestate.co.za.
Find the many farms offering accommodation at www.agritourismsouthafrica.com, www.farmstay.co.za and www.aatravel.co.za.
National strategy and government contact
The Tourism Act, 2014 (Act 3 of 2014) provides for the development and promotion of sustainable tourism for the benefit of South Africa, its residents and its visitors. It also provides for the continued existence of the South African Tourism Board (South African Tourism), the establishment of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA), and the regulation of the tourist guide profession. According to the Tourism Second Amendment Act, No.70 of 2000, any person who wishes to be involved in the tourist guiding activity must be registered.
Find the B-BBEE Tourism Sector Code at www.tourism.gov.za and www.thedtic.gov.za. Also available is the EASY GUIDE for the amended tourism B-BBEE Sector Code.
The National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) 2016-2026 is a sector-wide strategy designed to boost the potential contribution of tourism to national development objectives and the aspirations of the country, as envisioned in the National Development Plan (NDP).
Find the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan: COVID-19 Response (August 2020) on www.tourism.gov.za. In 2023 this was being aligned to the Tourism Master Plan.
Government role players
- Department of Tourism www.tourism.gov.za Find contact details of branches and directorates on the website. Find the Visitor Information Centres in every province by taking the “Knowledge” option on the website.
- South African Tourism (SAT) is the official tourism marketing body for South Africa. Visit www.southafrica.net.
- Brand South Africa was established to “create a positive and compelling brand image” for the country. Visit www.brandsouthafrica.com.
- Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) Directorate: Co-operatives and Enterprise Development www.dalrrd.gov.za Two of the sub-directorates, Business Development and Rural Enterprise Development are relevant.
- The National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) 2016-2026 identifies the following as also playing a “crucial” role to support tourism: (i) the Department of Home Affairs – immigration policies, customs officials at ports of entry; (ii) the securing of a free and safe environment which is a competency of the South African Police Service (SAPS); (iii) the Department of Transport (DoT) – aviation and road infrastructure development; (iv) the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in relation to support for local government/municipalities, (v) and other government departments such as the Department of Sports, Arts & Culture (DSAC), and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
- Find the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)’s yearbook, which includes a very useful chapter on tourism at www.gcis.gov.za.
- South African National Parks (Sanparks) www.sanparks.org Major tourist attractions in South Africa include national parks and nature reserves.
- Statistics South Africa www.statssa.gov.za Find the latest Tourism and Migration Report (April 2019) on its website.
Provincial Tourism Authorities
- Eastern Cape – www.visiteasterncape.co.za (find the “farm stays” option)
- Free State – http://freestatetourism.org and www.edtea.fs.gov.za
- Gauteng – www.gauteng.net
- KwaZulu-Natal – www.zulu.org.za and www.kznedtea.gov.za
- Limpopo – www.golimpopo.com and www.ledet.gov.za
- Mpumalanga – www.mpumalanga.com
- North West – www.tourismnorthwest.co.za
- Northern Cape – http://experiencenortherncape.com
- Western Cape – www.wesgro.co.za, www.capetown.travel and www.capewestcoast.org
Read about the Tourism Enterprise Support Programme (TEP) at www.investmentincentives.co.za/industry-specific-incentives/tourism-enterprise-support-programme.
Agritourism role players
Representative Bodies
Agritourism South Africa www.agritourismsouthafrica.com and www.thefarmlife.co.za Agritourism South Africa “was established to promote sustainable Agritourism development in South Africa, by creating an environment in which farmers and farming communities can implement agritourism initiatives with the assistance of the association. This includes:
- Promoting authentic farm tourism experiences.
- Encouraging farmers and rural communities to collaborate to promote Agritourism and Agritourism routes.
- Promoting Agritourism to national and international tourists with the aim of benefiting the farmers and rural communities.
- Cultivating a sustainable Agritourism environment through liaison and co-operation with key stakeholders within the business and tourism environment”.
Agritourism Africa is an affiliate of Agritourism South Africa and serves the African continent. Find the link at www.agritourismsouthafrica.com.
Provincial organised agriculture associations are involved as several guest farms are affiliated to these.
National Association of Conservancies and Stewardships of South Africa (NACSSA) www.nacssa.co.za See some regional websites: www.midlandsconservancies.org.za and www.cederberg.co.za. Conservancy status offers security benefits to farmers, encourages community cooperation and promotes regional tourism (see the page on conservancies on this website). Many conservancies offer self-catering, fully catered or Bed & Breakfast options.
Other Service Providers
Organisers of agricultural/rural tours in South Africa
Find details of the following below: Agri Travel & Tours, Agricultural Tours Worldwide, Cape AgriTours, Guttera Tours, Platteland Tours, Pride Safaris and Africa Borwa Farm Tours, and Specialized Tours.
Several companies organise wine route tours. Find them at www.wosa.co.za/Wine-Tourism/links/
Organisers of overseas tours
There is also the case were you yourself are the tourist. We are all interested in case studies, in seeing how someone else “got it right”. It provides us with ideas on measures we can implement in our own operations. Agricultural tours can be a valuable platform for agriculturalists to share knowledge and farming methods.
- Agricultural Tours Worldwide www.agritoursandtravel.com
- Some of the role players listed elsewhere in our chapters organise trips to other countries to study the methodologies and learn from the experiences there. Examples include: Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) www.agbiz.co.za, Citrus Academy www.citrusacademy.org.za/learning-events/agri-tours, Farmer’s Weekly www.farmersweekly.co.za and Landbouweekblad www.landbou.com.
General tourism role players
Role players
Note: Click to expand the headings below. To get a free listing like the ones below, visit here for more information or place your order here. Disclaimer: The role-player listings are not vetted by this website.
Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) – www.fgasa.org.za Sets the standard and level of professionalism in the guiding industry
Included in the advice from Business Partners:
- Offer “authentic local experiences rather than passive sights and mere places to stay”.
- Tap into “ethical” or “responsible” tourism. “The modern tourist is much more aware of the socio-economic and environmental impact of their travels, and increasingly tourism businesses can make their clients feel good by showing them how their spending empowers communities and socio-economic causes.”
- Wi-fi connectivity for tourism clients is no longer a nice-to-have, it is an essential part of tourism services.
- Read about the Department of Tourism’s incentive programmes and support given to SMMEs at www.tourism.gov.za. This includes the The Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) which through grant funding assists private-sector tourism enterprises in reducing the cost of investing in energy and water-efficient solutions.
- Various Government departments (such as the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the provincial tourism departments) have funding available for small or start-up businesses.
- Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Tourism SBU (Tourism Sectoral Focus) www.idc.co.za The Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) supports the Tourism Department’s goal of sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
- Some funds by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) cover tourism e.g. the Rural and Community Development Fund, the Strategic Projects Fund and the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF). Details can be read at www.nefcorp.co.za.
- Safari & Tourism Insurance Brokers (SATIB) www.satib.co.za
- Vumelana Advisory Fund www.vumelana.org.za Read about the various tourist projects on the website
Websites and publications
Visit the websites mentioned earlier on this page.
- Van Zyl, C.C. 2019. The size and scope of agri-tourism in South Africa. Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree Master of Commerce in Tourism Management at the North-West University. Available at https://repository.nwu.ac.za/handle/10394/33095
- Find the presentation “Sustainable Agritourism in South Africa” by Agritourism South Africa at www.nstf.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/MsTaylorSustainableAgriTourism.pdf.
- Tourism in South Africa (Third Edition) by Marthinus Jordaan (Editor) is a comprehensive reference guide on the tourism industry and includes a whole chapter on farm holidays. It is also available as a DVD. Take the “Tourism” option at www.mjsjordaan.co.za.
- Saayman, M (ed.). 2009. Ecotourism: getting back to basics. Potchefstroom: Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, North-West University.
- Adventures with Nature has several books related to tourism, or that a tourist to South Africa would enjoy reading. Visit www.awn.co.za.
- www.birdlife.org.za – read about possible birding routes.
- South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) assists members with publications like Tips To Ensure That Your Business Will Succeed; Developing An Accommodation Establishment; Developing An Attraction; How Do I Register The Business Legally, And Why Should This Be Done?; How Do I Register A Domain Or Website Name? Contact SATSA at 011 886 9996.
- Africa’s Travel Indaba, www.indaba-southafrica.co.za
- Read about the annual Lilizela Tourism Awards at www.lilizela.co.za.
General South African
- www.southafrica.net – The official South African Tourism website
- Refer to the South African Travel Guide website for all regions – travel essentials, all towns and cities, an online provincial map, live online advice. See www.southafrica.org.za.
- www.aatravel.co.za – AA Travel Guide.
- Trip Advisor South Africa, www.tripadvisor.co.za
- Visit Jen’s Reviews for a detailed, up-to-date 7,000 word guide on the 100 best things to do in South Africa and is packed with detailed tips and advice. Visit www.jenreviews.com/best-things-to-do-in-south-africa/.
- www.sagoodnews.co.za – a website which reports positive developments in South Africa.
- The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)’s yearbook contains an informative chapter on tourism. Amongst the overview of tourism in the country, the chapter devotes several pages listing tourism attractions in each province. Find the latest Yearbook at www.gcis.gov.za/content/resourcecentre/sa-info/yearbook.
- South African Holidays, www.southafrica.co.za
Some articles
- Reporter. 2023, November 14. “Tourism safety a top priority”. SA News. Available at www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/tourism-safety-top-priority
- Goba T. 2023, September 14. “Govt lowers black ownership requirements for COVID-19 Tourism Relief Fund”. Eye Witness News. Available at https://ewn.co.za/2023/09/14/govt-lowers-black-ownership-requirements-for-covid-19-tourism-relief-fund
- Reporter. 2023, February 6. “Best way to spend R1 billion to bring tourists to South Africa”. Daily Investor. Available at https://dailyinvestor.com/business/8062/best-way-to-spend-r1-billion-to-bring-tourists-to-south-africa/
- Parker D. 2022, August 4. “IDC launches domestic tourism campaign to stimulate economic recovery”. Engineering News. Available at www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/idc-launches-domestic-tourism-campaign-to-stimulate-economic-recovery-2022-08-04
- Muller J. 2022, June 10. “SA tourism is back in business”. Financial Mail. Available at www.businesslive.co.za/fm/features/2022-06-09-sa-tourism-is-back-in-business
- Henning D. 2022, January 26. “USA overtakes Germany and UK to become SA’s biggest overseas tourists”. Getaway. Available at www.getaway.co.za/travel-news/usa-overtakes-germany-and-uk-to-become-sas-biggest-overseas-tourists/
- Palm K. 2021, November 30. “CT tourism industry ready to attract domestic travellers with strong initiatives”. Eye Witness News. Available at https://ewn.co.za/2021/11/30/ct-tourism-industry-ready-to-attract-domestic-travellers-with-strong-initiatives
- Find the landing page for our blogs about Rustler’s at https://agribook.co.za/blog/tse-leshome-the-rustlers-valley-blogs.
- Braczkowski A.R. & Biggs D. 2021, October 19. “What COVID-19 travel bans have done to conservation tourism in Africa”. The Conversation. Available at https://theconversation.com/what-covid-19-travel-bans-have-done-to-conservation-tourism-in-africa-169324
- Palm K. 2021, September 20. “Tourism SA: We want to reimagine how sector can help improve Africa”. Eye Witness News. Available at https://ewn.co.za/2021/09/20/tourism-sa-we-want-to-reimagine-how-sector-can-help-improve-africa
- Moodley C. 2021, August 20. “Wine walks in Stellenbosch are all the rage now. Here’s how it works”. IOL. Available at www.iol.co.za/travel/south-africa/western-cape/wine-walks-in-stellenbosch-are-all-the-rage-now-heres-how-it-works-cbc334b5-fa68-4c54-9193-348ac241fca4
- Reporter. 2021, August 5. “Cabinet approves tourism norms and standards”. SA News. Available at www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/cabinet-approves-tourism-norms-and-standards
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- Reporter. 2020, October 23. “Dept looks for opportunities to grow rural tourism”. SA News. Available at www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/dept-looks-opportunities-grow-rural-tourism
- Sihlobo W. 2020, September 21. “Agritourism to benefit most from move to ‘level1’of the lockdown”. Business Day. Available at https://agbiz.co.za/uploads/documents/legislation2020/200925_Agritourism%20to%20benefit%20most%20from%20move%20to%20level%201.pdf
- Travel Reporter. 2020, August 17. “Will domestic travel save South Africa’s tourism industry?” IOL. Available at www.iol.co.za/travel/travel-news/will-domestic-travel-save-south-africas-tourism-industry-134760eb-aedb-4330-a5d2-64b8dc0613a0
- Reuters. 2020, July 3. “Coronavirus costs Africa travel, tourism almost $55 bln”. Eye Witness News. Available at https://ewn.co.za/2020/07/03/coronavirus-costs-africa-travel-tourism-almost-usd55-bln
- Ndenze B. 2020, June 9. “Tourism industry calls on govt to allow sub-sectors to reopen”. Eye Witness News. Available at https://ewn.co.za/2020/06/09/tourism-industry-calls-on-govt-to-allow-sub-sectors-to-reopen
- Mahlulo M. 2020, May 15. “Most white SA companies don’t know they’re B-BBEE compliant”. Eye Witness News. Available at https://ewn.co.za/2020/05/15/mapule-mahlulo-most-white-sa-companies-don-t-know-they-re-b-bbee-compliant
- Travel Reporter. 2020, May 8. “INFOGRAPHIC: Survey shows shocking effect on tourism businesses in SA”. IOL. Available at www.iol.co.za/travel/travel-news/infographic-survey-shows-shocking-effect-on-tourism-businesses-in-sa-47719833
- Adam I. & Kimbu A. 2020, April 23. “Strategies Africa’s tourism requires to manage blow from coronavirus”. The Conversation. Available at https://theconversation.com/strategies-africas-tourism-requires-to-manage-blow-from-coronavirus-135858
- Reporter. 2019, December 13. “SA tightens tourist safety strategy”. SA News. Available at www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sa-tightens-tourist-safety-strategy
- Roelofse A. 2019, October 24. “Social media a boost for tourism, but puts pressure on business owners”. Business Partners. Available at www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/entrepreneurs-growth-centre/useful-articles/marketing/social-media-a-boost-for-tourism-but-puts-pressure-on-business-owners
- Staff Reporter. 2019, October 3. “Land reform: A possible game changer in the tourism sector”. Food for Mzansi. Available at www.foodformzansi.co.za/land-reform-a-possible-game-changer-in-the-tourism-sector/
- Staff Reporter. 2019, September 11. “Four key factors that are driving the growth of domestic tourism”. Business Report. Available at www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/four-key-factors-that-are-driving-the-growth-of-domestic-tourism-32818171
- Majola G. 2019, August 25. “Rural areas as rich in fun for tourists as the beaches”. Business Report. Available at www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/rural-areas-as-rich-in-fun-for-tourists-as-the-beaches-31165552