SA Tourism's New COO: Boosting Growth & Jobs
South African Tourism has announced the appointment of Darryl Erasmus as its new Chief Operations Officer, a move welcomed by the industry as a positive step towards driving growth, enhancing job creation, and fostering collaboration. The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) commends Erasmus’s extensive experience in tourism and hospitality, spanning both public and private sectors, including his tenure at SA Tourism, Travelport, Protea Hotels, and Intercontinental Hotels. Rosemary Anderson, FEDHASA’s National Chairperson, lauded his operational and strategic expertise, emphasizing its importance in executing initiatives that promote sustainable employment across the sector.
FEDHASA, representing South Africa's diverse hospitality industry since 1949, is enthusiastic about partnering with Erasmus and his team to fortify the country's position as a leading global tourism destination. The organization underlines the importance of collaboration in implementing strategic efforts aimed at creating meaningful opportunities for South Africans. FEDHASA’s membership encompasses hotels, restaurants, conference centers, caterers, home hosting establishments like B&Bs, clubs, taverns, and a wide range of service providers within the hospitality sector. This appointment signals optimism and renewed vigor for growing South Africa’s tourism potential while addressing the industry's broader socioeconomic impact, such as employment and global competitiveness.
Henley Passport Index 2025: Africa's Top & Bottom Ranking Passports
The 2025 Henley Passport Index highlights global disparities in passport power, with Singapore securing the top spot, granting visa-free entry to 195 destinations. Japan follows in second place with 193 destinations, while European nations dominate the top five. At the bottom, Afghanistan ranks last, underscoring a record mobility gap in the index’s 19-year history. African nations face significant challenges, with Schengen visa rejection rates for African applicants double the global average. Research by Professor Mehari Taddele Maru attributes this to discriminatory policies that extend beyond economic factors.
Meanwhile, the UAE has notably climbed into the top 10, while the US and UK have seen a decade-long decline in rankings. Economic and political uncertainties, including potential policy shifts under a future Trump administration, have increased interest in alternative citizenship among Americans, accounting for 21% of global applications.
China’s passport demonstrates upward mobility, rising from 94th in 2015 to 60th in 2025, reflecting expanded international openness. Global travel in 2025 will also see advancements in digital border control systems like ETIAS and the UK’s ETA, aimed at streamlining security and connectivity. Amid these trends, experts call for rethinking global citizenship models to address issues like inequality, climate change, and geopolitical instability.
Port Harcourt Beach: Transforming into a Global Tourism Hub
Landmark Group, in partnership with the Rivers State Government, is set to redefine tourism in Rivers State by revitalizing the iconic Port Harcourt Tourist Beach into the "Landmark Port Harcourt Leisure Resort." This ambitious transformation will position the area as a world-class destination, offering diverse leisure, lifestyle, and hospitality experiences to attract local and international tourists. Scheduled to begin in early 2025, the phased redevelopment aligns with Landmark’s broader vision of creating eight prime tourism destinations across West Africa, half of which will be in Nigeria, fostering intra-Africa tourism.
The project emphasizes significant socio-economic benefits, including job creation, SME support, and increased internally generated revenue (IGR). Landmark Group CEO Paul Onwuanibe emphasized that the initiative aims to create unparalleled leisure experiences while building a legacy and driving growth in Rivers State. Similarly, Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Israel Lebura Ngbuelo, highlighted the collaboration's potential to showcase the state globally, boost the local economy, and create opportunities for its people.
This revitalization project not only promises to re-establish Port Harcourt Tourist Beach as an African tourism gem but also solidifies the state’s commitment to becoming a leading leisure and tourism destination on the continent.
