South Africa boasts some of the world’s most diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, creating a tourism industry that attracts millions of visitors worldwide. While the tourism industry is still lagging behind its pre-COVID-19 tourist arrival numbers, there has been a steady annual growth of 5.92%. According to the South African Tourism Department, tourism’s contribution to the country’s GDP should be 8.8% in 2024 and steadily grow to 10.4% by 2030.
The promise of more rapid growth can be seen in other countries on the continent like Kenya and Tanzania, which have both seen recovery rates of 142,43% and 119,73% of their pre-COVID-19 tourist arrivals, respectively. All of this points to the latent potential in the South African tourism industry, especially its breakout sector – adventure tourism.
Adventure Tourism on the rise in SA
Adventure tourism in South Africa encompasses a variety of activities like:
- Ballooning, microlights & helicopters
- Boat cruises & shark cage diving
- 4×4, Game and Safari activities
- Canopy tours, cable cars & ziplining – with K3 (the world’s longest zipline) opening in Caledon in the Western Cape in September 2024
According to a recent report from Wesgro, the Western Cape is set to emerge as a global hub for adventure tourism by 2032. The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) has actively promoted adventure tourism by developing a voluntary self-accreditation program to enhance the industry’s credibility and value.
A few studies have even highlighted the recent shift in tourist preference towards adventure experiences, which benefits the varied South African tourism market that boasts many accessible adventure activities. Tailor-made adventure experiences have the potential to catalyse the entire tourism sector, which has been a significant job generator, contributing 5%-6% to the GDP in the past decade.
Financing for growth potential
There is a pressing need for support systems to sustain and further accelerate the growth of adventure tourism in South Africa. This includes financing options for SMEs involved in the adventure tourism sector and specialised financing options to accelerate the growth of these SMEs. Tourism entrepreneurs need the backing of a funder, who sees their growth potential and has the experience to guide and support their business.
The rise of adventure tourism in South Africa presents a significant opportunity for economic growth and job creation. This promising growth will allow more people from around the world to experience South Africa’s breathtaking landscape. However, to fully realize this potential, it is essential to establish comprehensive support systems that address the financial and infrastructural needs of the sector. By doing so, South Africa can solidify its position as a premier destination for adventure tourism, attracting thrill-seekers from around the globe and contributing to the nation’s overall economic growth.
