By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the University of Pretoria and Tshwane University of Technology today hosted the Tourism Research Seminar on Friday, 24 October 2025.
The seminar aimed to share cutting-edge research insights that inform policy direction, enhance tourism development, and to promote sustainability within the sector.
The Department hosts the Tourism Research Seminar annually to disseminate the research findings and recommendations, exchange and share ideas, and obtain constructive feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.
The Department underscores the importance of credible research to inform policy formulation and implementation. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2024 call for “evidence-based policy and decision-making” reinforces this approach as a foundation for effective governance.
Prof. Zitha Mokomane from the University of Pretoria remarked: “Let us use this Tourism Research Seminar as a catalyst for change, driving education and practice towards a better future.”
Key outcomes include the development of the Tourism Resilience Model (TRM) to monitor sector performance, the review of tourism grading criteria to improve service standards, and training initiatives empowering indigenous storytellers in the Kgalagadi region to drive inclusive participation.
Dr. Vathiswa Papu from Tshwane University of Technology added: “This seminar is more than collaboration, it’s about shaping the future of tourism. TUT is proud to lead the way in driving innovation and excellence in the sector.”
The 2025 Tourism Research Seminar, held in collaboration with the Tourism Research Panel, provided a robust platform for sharing research insights, fostering innovation, and building capacity for sustainable tourism development.
Going forward, the Department aims to expand this platform to regional and international audiences, reinforcing South Africa’s leadership in evidence-based tourism policy and sustainable development.