Hazyview attractions benefit from international tourist influx
The Hazyview township route welcomed more than 5 000 international tourists in 2023 alone.
Stats SA’s recent official release of international arrival figures for January to December 2023 underscores the rising momentum of South Africa’s tourism sector.
Hazyview’s township tourism received a significant number of international tourists visiting. The minister of tourism, Patricia de Lille, said international tourist arrivals from January to December 2023 totalled 8.5 million, representing a remarkable 48.9% increase when compared with the same period in 2022.
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She also expressed delight at the impressive numbers from the African continent and highlighted the strategic decisions that contributed to the growth in specific markets.
“Kenya’s remarkable performance can be attributed to the strategic decision by government to simplify the visa regime in 2023 as well as targeted and effective insights-driven marketing campaigns. This recovery can be attributed to consistent efforts to showcase South Africa as a welcoming, responsible tourism destination, highlighting experiences that align with intrepid, green economy-conscious travellers,” the minister said.
De Lille emphasised the charm and magnetism of South Africa as a tourism destination, with specific mention of the reopening of the Chinese market and the resumption of direct flight routes in 2023.
Looking ahead, she emphasised the need to unlock barriers such as visa regulations and limited air access and airlift for sustained growth.
The minister expressed commitment to working with partners and government colleagues to facilitate policy and regulation revisions. She thanked all visitors for choosing to visit South Africa and likewise thanked South Africans for their continuous hospitality and warm welcome to visitors, expressing optimism for sustained charm, attractiveness and relentless tourism growth.
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In Hazyview, an innovative plan was introduced by the Shabalala Interpretation of Culture Centre (SICC), the result of a highly successful collaboration with the local community. The SICC’s founder, Goodman Nkosi, said they came up with the idea to ensure local businesses benefit from the tourist industry as they are close to the popular Kruger National Park and the famous Panorama Route.
The township’s tourism consists of local taxi operators, vendors who sell their wares at the taxi ranks, the sangomas, animal herders and even the locals’ knowledge of indigenous trees, and everyone is set to benefit from this project.
According to Nkosi, since the establishment of the township route in 2023 alone, they welcomed more than 5 000 international tourists in the villages, and even domestic tourists are coming on board to go on tours in the villages.
