By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The Inaugural Tourism Investment Summit was held in Cape Town on 10 September 2025, which was spearheaded by Minister of Tourism of South Africa, Patricia De Lille.
The aim of the investment Summit is to place the tourism investment agenda on a global scale which comes ahead of the G20 Tourism Ministers’ meeting which is scheduled to take place on the 12th of September at the Kruger National Park.
Eight tourism projects were unveiled at the summit, which would require R1 billion in investment. The projects are set to give opportunities for investors in eco-tourism, cultural heritage tourism, hospitality infrastructure and green innovation.
“We stand here not only to showcase projects but to invite partnerships. South Africa is a nation at work, and we are about action. Together, we can deliver a bold new chapter in tourism investment for our country, for Africa, and for the world.” said Minister De Lille in her address.
“Our projects range in size, from God’s Window Skywalk in Mpumalanga, which is seeking an investment of R200 million ($10.4 million), to the Hole in the Wall Resort in the Eastern Cape, requiring R141 Million ($7.9 million). Together, all these projects reflect South Africa’s readiness to welcome investment that delivers not only strong returns, but real benefits to communities,” said Minister De Lille.
The projects that are mentioned include:
*Western Cape Tokai Manor Table Mountain National Park
*Tshwane’s Eye of Menlyn
*Mpumalanga’s God’s Window Skywalk
*Eastern Cape Water World Fun Park in Buffalo City
*Orpen Kruger Lodge
*Western Cape Groote Schuur Estate Tea Room and Restaurant
*Eastern Cape Hole in the Wall Resort
*Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National Park
“These eight projects are from both the public and private with strong return on investment and high community impact. And this is just a fraction of what lies in our national pipeline, which is rich, diverse, and growing. We stand here not only as a nation of immense tourism potential, but also as a gateway to Africa,” explained Minister De Lille.
Minister De Lille also emphasised the policy shifts implemented by the Government of National Unity (GNU) which amended the initial National Treasury Regulation 16 for Public-Private Partnerships. These amendments came into effect as far back as 1 June 2025.
The amendments made were to enable adopting different types of business models which range from Design-Build-Operate partnerships to a more blended finance model.
The Summit has affirmed that the right shifts in policy, and guidelines, that Tourism investment could benefit global economies as well local economies within South Africa.