Tourists arriving at South Africa’s premier international transport hub will now have a digital index of the country’s tourism offering at their fingertips.
South African Tourism will on Wednesday cut the ribbon on the opening of the nation’s first-ever Smart Tourism Visitor Information Centre (VIC) to be housed at OR Tambo International Airport.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille will be joined by the representatives from Airports Company South Africa, SA Tourism, the Gauteng Tourism Authority, and Tourism Business Council of South Africa to take this next step in modernising South Africa’s renowned hospitality.
Smart Tourism in SA
The airport’s international arrivals terminal is set to become a new focal point, serving as a stepping stone to the unmatched natural beauty that awaits beyond the Johannesburg skyline.
Travellers will be able to identify hidden tourist gems and discover the unique paths that unlock lasting memories.
“The Smart Tourism VIC is an interactive, paperless centre that offers real-time information on the country’s varied tourism, culture, and heritage offerings across all nine South African provinces,” promised the Department of Tourism (DoT).
The launch coincides with the arrival of dignitaries and guests from across the world as Johannesburg proudly hosts the G20 Summit on 22 and 23 November.
The G20 Summit will showcase South African splendour to entice holiday travellers to choose the southern tip of Africa as their next destination.
WATCH: SA Tourism launches paperless system
Millions of tourists annually
Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy will cut the ribbon at the ceremony, followed by welcome remarks from the local municipality and the various provincial and national tourism bodies.
Minister De Lille and her deputy, Makhotso Magdeline Sotyu, are scheduled to lead the procession to the freshly installed Smart Tourism VIC, where it will be unveiled to the public.
South Africa welcomed roughly 7.6 million international tourists between January and September this year, an increase of 1.1 million from the same period last year.
“Tourism is proving itself to be a catalyst for economic growth and development. The industry is creating jobs, stimulating investment, and revitalising local economies,” minister De Lille recently stated.
Government believes the Smart Tourism VIC marks a significant advancement in South Africa’s effort toward digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive tourism development.
“South Africa is ready to welcome the world this festive season with open arms, warm smiles, and world-class experiences,” minister De Lille added.
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