Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says major sporting events continue to draw high-spending visitors who stay longer and inject money into local economies. She was speaking as South Africa (SA) hosts more than 90 000 visitors for the ongoing LIV Golf tournament in Johannesburg.
According to de Lille, these visitors support a wide range of sectors, including accommodation, transport, restaurants, and smaller local suppliers, helping to spread the economic benefits beyond the event itself.
In Gauteng, authorities are using the tournament to advance the province’s Growing Gauteng Together 2030 strategy. The Gauteng Tourism Authority has identified golf tourism as a valuable niche, with opportunities for growth. Small businesses have been encouraged to package LIV Golf tickets with township tours, safari trips, and high-end accommodation to attract visitors.
The provincial government has also placed emphasis on involving Black women and youth-owned businesses in supplying services linked to the event.
The tournament is set to wrap up on Sunday.
–ChannelAfrica–
