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Articles by Madiseng Phori
Travel Behaviour and Tourists’ Motivations for Visiting Heritage Tourism Attractions in a Rural Municipality
This version is not peer-reviewed. Madiseng M Phori *,Uwe P Hermann,Leane Grobbelaar Madiseng M Phori *,Uwe P Hermann,Leane Grobbelaar Submitted: 24 September 2025 Posted: 25 September 2025 You are already at the latest version The study examines the travel behaviour and motivations of tourists visiting heritage attractions in the Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) in South Africa, as part of the sustainable development of rural heritage tourism.
South African heritage tourism could uplift rural communities, with a little help: the case of Sekhukhune
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South African heritage tourism could uplift rural communities, with a little help: the case of Sekhukhune
Imagine visiting a remote valley surrounded by mountains, hundreds of kilometres away from the nearest city, listening to local people explaining hundreds of years of history to you. The Tšate Valley, in South Africa’s Limpopo province, is one such place. Housing the Tšate heritage site and home to the Bapedi nation, the area has a rich natural and cultural history. This is where the Bapedi empire rose in the 15th century and fell to colonisers in the 19th century.
‘Sustainability key to tourism growth’
In a recent address to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) 66th Commission for Africa Meeting in Mauritius, Victoria Kwakwa, the World Bank Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, underscored the multifaceted challenges and opportunities faced by the tourism sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kwakwa’s speech emphasised the importance of sustainable and inclusive growth in the industry while acknowledging the significant hurdles countries have encountered.
Cycle Malawi returns with tours in 2024
Cycle Malawi, a tour operator in Malawi specialising in cycling excursions across the country’s contrasting landscapes, will be returning in 2024. The inability to travel during the height of the pandemic meant Cycle Malawi had to put on the brakes before launching more tours. But now tourism is back in full flow, Cycle Malawi has returned with a whole host of tours in the pipeline between May and November next year.
Hotel brand receives first ever ‘Humane Certification’
Mantis, a leading conservation-focused hotel brand within the Accor group, has attained the first Global Humane Certified designation for Humane Tourism at four select locations. Humane Tourism is a unique animal welfare certification programme that assesses and certifies wildlife reserves, lodging facilities, and tour operators for their humane responsibility toward the animal life these operations may encounter and potentially impact.
First Lady of Zimbabwe recognised by UNWTO
The First Lady of Zimbabwe, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, was recognised by UNWTO Secretary General Zurub Pololikashvili for “championing gastronomy tourism” in the country and region at the eighth UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in San Sebastián, Spain, over the weekend. Mnangagwe took University of Zimbabwe Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Mapfumo, and students from three other universities in the country with her to experience and learn about gastronomy.
Cape storms - road closures and repairs update
The Western Cape Government released an update on road closures and repairs today (October 10), following the devastating storms over the Heritage long weekend. “Our primary focus is on reopening all affected roads when it is safe. Our repair and reconstruction efforts are a top priority. This process cannot be rushed. But we are doing everything possible to return full economic activity to the hardest hit regions,” said Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde.
AASA elects next term’s Chairpersons
The incoming Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) were elected at the body’s recent 53rd AGM and will serve for the next 12 months. Joao Po Jorge has been re-elected as AASA’s Chairperson. He is the Director-General of LAM Mozambique Airlines, with Interim CEO of South African Airways, Prof. John Lamola, as the Deputy Chair.
City Lodge sells iconic Sandton property
The City Lodge Hotel Group (CLHG) has entered into a sale agreement for the City Lodge Hotel Katherine Street property in Sandton, Johannesburg. “The sale agreement includes a restriction on the use of the property for short-term accommodation purposes,” said Andrew Widegger, the group's CEO. He did not elaborate on who the buyer was or what the new owner planned to do with the hotel once the sale was concluded. The sales agreement was signed on August 14.
Tourism Update recognised at ATLF 2023 Awards
Recognised for being one of the “most influential media and/or marketing contribution in changing the image of Africa”, Tourism Update, was named as First Runner Up in the ‘Outstanding Africa Media and Marketing’ category at the Africa Tourism Leadership Awards (ATLF) 2023.
W Cape analyses impact of recent storms
Following the extreme weather over the Heritage weekend – with heavy rain still ongoing in parts of the province – the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism is working on analysing the full impact of the storms, specifically on tourism and hospitality businesses across the province. “It is vital for us as the Western Cape Government to get as much information as we can on the impact of the storm, so we are able to prioritise needs.
Massive increase in visitors during SANParks week
South African National Park held its 18th annual free access week from September 16-25. The week saw a total of 94 203 day visitors participate in the campaign, compared with last year's 72 166. The campaign, held under the theme 'Know Your National Parks', allowed South Africans to spend a day at a national park of their choice free of charge. SANParks CEO, Hapiloe Sello, said this year’s numbers were 30% higher than in 2022.
E-gates on the cards at SA airports
Biometrics and facial recognition, rather than standing in notoriously long queues, are on the cards for passengers at South African airports as Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) drives the digitisation of its airports. Acsa CIO, Mthokozisi Mncwabe has identified the improvement of passenger experience, and the modernisation of the airport environment and Acsa’s operational processes as a core strategic focus for the business. Robotics and AI will be a part of this modernisation project.
Mixed results over Tourism Month’s growth potential
Our latest poll, which asked whether Tourism Month (September) was a good platform for growing tourism to South Africa, has delivered mixed results. The majority of readers indicated ‘no’ (40%), closely followed by ‘yes’ (32%), and ‘unsure’ (29%). Need for sustainable products/services? Last month’s Tourism Month theme centred on ‘tourism invests in a green future’, with a key focus on sustainability.
Study: AU Passport would provide boon to air travel
As Iata this week announced a 26.1% year-on-year rise in African air traffic, a leading aviation analytics firm believes that the adoption of an African Union (AU) Passport would stimulate even further growth of the sector. Iata found that, in August 2023, flights in the African region were on average 76% full, while global air passenger traffic had recovered to 95.7% of pre-COVID levels.
Six-year-old a new Ugandan brand ambassador
Ugandan travel agency, Home To Africa Tours and Travel, signed six-year-old tour guide Nicholas Tukwasibwe as its brand ambassador at the end of last month. Tukwasibwe is the youngest tour guide in Uganda, and has captured the hearts of many with his deep passion for tourism and community engagement. His journey to becoming a brand ambassador began when he started guiding tourists in Rubirizi, leaving an unforgettable mark on those who made stopovers in the area.
Luxury guesthouse opens in Johannesburg
A new luxury guesthouse, 1945 On Kloof, in Johannesburg’s Observatory suburb, announced its grand opening yesterday (October 5). The restored guesthouse has eight suites with various room types. They include a multi-functional suite, specifically designed to prioritise comfort and accessibility for guests with disabilities. The wheelchair-friendly suite offers additional space and a private furnished area outside.
Int’l hotel brand launches new midscale brand
Marriott International announced the launch of its newest brand last week, Four Points Express by Sheraton, designed for the midscale segment. The brand is a response to growing consumer demand for reliable yet affordable accommodation in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Namibia to host major hotel investment conference
The Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), the premier tourism and hotel investment conference in Africa, attracting many prominent international hotel owners, investors, financiers, management companies and their advisers, will take place in Namibia on June 25-27, 2024. The venue will be the Mövenpick and Mercure hotels in Windhoek.
Equity Fund applications set to open
Application dates for the hotly disputed Tourism Equity Fund (TEF), the application criteria for which have been amended from a 51% black ownership requirement to 30%, will be announced by the end of October. The fund had its amended criteria approved by Cabinet in September. In a press statement, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille welcomed Cabinet’s agreement on the implementation of the fund.
Hospitality forum takes a deep dive into Africa
This year’s Africa Property Investment (API) Hospitality Forum takes place next week on October 11 at the Marriott Hotel, Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. According to the event organisers, given the unparalleled changes of the past few years, and the evolving landscape of the hospitality sector, the forum provides a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
W Cape economy benefits from cruise tourism
Cruise tourism contributed R1.2bn (€58.4m) to the Western Cape economy during its 2022/3 season, according to a new economic impact assessment, but there is still room to grow. The assessment, conducted by StratEcon on behalf of Cruise Cape Town, covered the first full cruise season since COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted. It found that the season generated R1.4bn (€68.1m) in expenditure, translating into a contribution of R1.23bn to the Western Cape economy.
Stars of Africa adds Kruger clients
South African marketing and digital media company Stars of Africa Travel has welcomed two new lodges in the Greater Kruger National Park area to its portfolio. Located in the Umbabat Private Nature Reserve – which shares unfenced borders with the Timbavati Game Reserve and KNP – Nsala Wilderness Camp is an intimate and rustic camp with five chalets. Cape Vulture Lodge is in a 1 800-hectare conservancy in the Hoedspruit area, and features nine luxury tented suites.
Stars of Africa adds Kruger and Kenya clients
South African marketing and digital media company Stars of Africa Travel has welcomed two new lodges in the Greater Kruger National Park area to its portfolio. Located in the Umbabat Private Nature Reserve – which shares unfenced borders with the Timbavati Game Reserve and KNP – Nsala Wilderness Camp is an intimate and rustic camp with five chalets. Cape Vulture Lodge is in a 1 800-hectare conservancy in the Hoedspruit area, and features nine luxury tented suites.
Inbound arrivals see marginal increase in August
South Africa’s inbound tourist numbers continued their upward trajectory in August, registering a slight month-on-month increase. According to the latest figures from Statistics South Africa, overall, overseas arrivals increased by 2.6% (from 161 376 in July to 165 705 in August). Arrivals from Europe grew from 88 440 in July, to 93 602 in August. This was offset by a drop in numbers from the US (from 31 612 in July to 29 300 in August). July arrivals were at 84% of 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
Tree-cutters to protect Table Mountain’s floral kingdom
Ecologically minded travellers may be up in arms when they see a helicopter flying up and down the slopes of Table Mountain while large trees are being felled one after the other, but they can take comfort from knowing that the whole operation is to protect the Western Cape's floral kingdom from invasive alien trees. Depending on the weather conditions, the operation – referred to as a Helihack – is scheduled for this weekend (October 6-8).
Tanzania showcases tourist attractions
Tanzanian tourism enthusiast, Elizabeth Mwakajila, presented the country’s tourist attractions in a video at the ongoing Africa Tourism Leadership Forum this week. The video highlights the country’s 22 national parks, with the world-renowned Serengeti at the forefront, the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the sandy white beaches of Zanzibar, to name a few.
National Tourism Careers Expo welcomes 10 000 attendees
This past weekend’s National Tourism Careers Expo in Gauteng has been hailed a great success, with as many as 97 exhibitors and registrations topping 10 000.
Da Silva leaves Airlink for SAA
Well-known South African airline personality, Carla da Silva, is to join SAA as General Manager Sales, Marketing, e-Commerce & Distribution from November 1. This won’t be Da Silva’s first stint at South African Airways, where she was a flight attendant from 1995-1997. After five years with KLM and Air France, she spent six years with SAA, rising from Key Account Manager to Head of Global Sales & Distribution.
Seychelles intensifies Italy marketing efforts
Tourism Seychelles organised a Seychelles Day workshop in the heart of Rome at the Hive Hotel last month, bringing together prominent Italian tour operators, airlines, and hoteliers who are actively engaged in promoting Seychelles as a premier travel destination.
Cultural centre to boost Moz events tourism
A new 20 000sqm cultural centre, built by Chinese contractors, has been inaugurated in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo. The Mozambique Ministry of Culture and Tourism has called the Mozambique China Cultural Centre in the grounds of the Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo, a “key project that will greatly contribute to the development of cultural exhibition and dissemination, as well as to the promotion of cultural creative industries from all over the country and the world”.
Mossel Bay takes marketing ‘drive’ literally
Mossel Bay Tourism’s new marketing campaign, revealed at the end of last month, involves five tautliner trucks that will be travelling across South Africa, branded with images of the 12 unique municipal areas included in the region’s coastal gems and scenic inland communities. Partnering with Mossel Bay Tourism is Master Cargo, which owns a fleet of 120 vehicles tasked with delivering goods not only within South Africa’s borders, but also throughout the SADC region.
Minor Hotels commits to Africa
Global hotelier Minor Hotels has demonstrated a strong commitment to Africa, with its 29 properties in southern and East Africa making impressive contributions towards employment, community upliftment and regional economic growth. Lindi Mthethwa, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing in Africa, highlighted the economic value of Minor Hotels’ presence in Africa.
‘Long-term recovery won’t come from short-term thinking’
South Africa’s tourism industry is enjoying a better-than-expected post-COVID recovery, with spending by international arrivals more than doubling compared with the same time last year – R48 billion vs R21.5 billion (€2.3b vs €1.1b).
Joburg to host global culture and heritage summit
Johannesburg has recently been announced as the host city for the second World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage (WTACH) Global Leaders Summit, which will be held in September next year. The announcement was made by the CEO of WTACH, Nigel Fell, during this year’s inaugural WTACH Global Leaders Summit, which took place in Valencia, Spain, at the end of last month.
Zimbabwean hospitality group announces senior appointments
Zimbabwean hospitality group, Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), has announced several senior appointments, effective September 1. Nigel Frost has been appointed Managing Director after serving as Finance and Operations Director since August 2016. “Having been with AAT for 15 years, I have witnessed its growth and success as a leading player in the industry, and I have also seen the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us.
SA students to work at top Mauritius hotels
Twelve students from the Capsicum Culinary Studio – South Africa’s largest culinary school with six campuses across the country – have been selected to embark on a five-month placement opportunity at three leading five-star hotels in Mauritius. The students are from the school’s Pretoria and Rosebank campuses. The placement opportunity forms part of the school’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme, which is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in real-world industry settings.
Tour operator launches carbon labelling on trips
Australian-based tour operator, Intrepid Travel, who offers tours to southern and East Africa, has introduced a carbon labelling initiative that discloses the carbon footprint on more than 500 of its tours, including its top 100 trips. The initiative aims to better educate travellers about the impact their trips are having on the environment, which will help them make more informed decisions about travel and choosing certain products and services.
South Africa is missing out on the outbound market from Zimbabwe
The outbound market from Zimbabwe is booming – in particular to Dubai and East Africa. A recent South African Tourism Insights Unit report highlighted that Zimbabwean leisure travellers were choosing other destinations above South Africa. South African hotels, airlines and tourism attractions, however, can gain a greater share of the Zimbabwe market by participating at the Spotlight TravelExpo in Harare on October 17.
2 300 tourism safety monitors to be trained
The Department of Tourism has earmarked R174.5 million (€8.7m) for the training of over 2 300 tourism safety monitors in South Africa during this financial year. The monitors will be deployed to all provinces before the peak summer season starts to assist in safeguarding top tourist attractions and national parks. This was announced by Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, at the launched of the country’s Summer Campaign in the Eastern Cape recently.
Visas the biggest challenge to intra-Africa travel
Tourism Update readers have indicated in our latest poll that visas (26%) are the biggest challenge to growing intra-Africa travel. This was jointly followed by air connectivity and a lack of inter-country collaboration (22%). Lack of harmonised country regulations (15%) came in fourth, and transport/infrastructure issues (14%) at fifth, followed by ‘other’ (1%). In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge to growing intra-Africa travel?
‘Chatbots helpful, but not hospitable’
Several readers have questioned the use of chatbots, responding to a recent Tourism Update article quoting industry experts who believe that the AI trend could significantly improves businesses’ customer experiences. One reader said her experience with chatbots has been appalling. “I don't think that it enhances the tourism experience at all. We're hospitality – a chatbot will never be able to understand that concept.
LAM’s JNB-INH flights are back
LAM has re-started its flights between Johannesburg and Inhambane, with the first flight touching down on Friday, September 29. Two flights a week (TM332) are scheduled to depart from Johannesburg at 11h10, arriving Inhambane at 12h50 on Wednesdays and Fridays. The return flight, TM333 departs Inhambane on Sundays at 15h00, arriving in Johannesburg at 16h40.
SAA heads to Côte d’Ivoire
South African Airways has announced the launch of flights to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, its 12th destination since relaunching operations. Flights will operate three times a week, departing from Johannesburg on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11h00 and arriving in Abidjan at 17h00 on the same day, with a 55-minute stopover in Accra. Bookings will open for sale on September 28, with the first flight from Johannesburg scheduled for November 14.
Tourism group makes a difference in local community
All the divisions of Southern Africa's leading integrated tourism group, Tourvest, got together to prepare hotdogs for kids at the General Christian De Wet Primary School in Sophiatown on World Tourism Day (September 27). “This kind of community involvement and support is a fantastic way to celebrate and promote local heritage and tourism.
Hermanus Whale Festival weekend cancelled
The highly anticipated 32nd Hermanus Whale Festival – set to kick off today (Friday, September 29) until Sunday (October 1) – has been cancelled. According to a press statement by the organisers, the decision was taken yesterday (Thursday, September 28) following a meeting with the Overstrand Municipality’s events team and Mayor.
KZN craft market returns in October
The Clansthal Seasonal Craft Market in KwaZulu Natal will return to 111 Pig & Whistle Drive on October 1. There will be over 40 stalls offering a variety of products, as well light meals and refreshments to enjoy whilst looking at sea views. “Our philosophy is that the items on sale are handcrafted and/or are unique. We support traders who contribute to conscious living,” the market said.
Luxurious superyacht experience launches in Cape Town
Hazendal Wine Estate, managed by Newmark Hotels & Reserves, has launched a luxurious superyacht experience in Cape Town, complementing the Stellenbosch-based wine estate’s growing offering of five-star experiences. The Hazendal Yacht, Princess Eve, at 25m, is South Africa’s largest superyacht and is now available for exclusive use charter cruises and private events in the waters around Cape Town. This is the country’s most upmarket boating experience.
Travellers increasingly seeking meaningful interactions
Industry experts say the time is ripe for local establishments to tap into socially conscious and sustainable tourism as travellers seek more meaningful interactions during their luxury holidays.
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