Tourism

South Africa’s tourism sector has come to rival the country’s mining industry in terms of overall contribution to GDP, with 2014 witnessing record levels of foreign arrivals, drawn in by the country’s natural beauty, outdoor attractions, food and culture – and increasingly by its business and conference facilities. The sector faced a significant decline in 2015, however, with stringent new visa regulations impacting visitor figures and threatening the loss of thousands of jobs and millions in revenues. In spite of the regulations’ expected impact on the industry, a significant number of positive indicators, particularly in the Cape Town area, could help some operators weather the worst of the near-term shocks.

This chapter contains an interview with Clifford Ross, CEO, City Lodge Hotel Group.