South Africa

Airbnb is launching a new product aimed at promoting a safe and secure experience for solo travellers. According to Airbnb internal data, 26% of all nights booked in 2021 were by solo travellers, and more than 50% of nights booked for long-term stays during the first quarter of 2022 were for those travelling alone. The new Solo Traveller in-app experience is designed to better support safe solo travelling on Airbnb. When a single guest books a private or shared room reservation, a... Read further.

One of South Africa’s most iconic hiking trails, the Tsitsikamma trail (sponsored by forestry company MTO) in the Garden Route, has undergone a major upgrade to provide an even better experience for local and international visitors.  Timber overnight huts, including two-man A-frame units and larger six-person huts, have been built, and existing huts have been refurbished. Communal meeting, cooking and washing facilities have been upgraded to include hot water donkey boilers, showerheads... Read further.

Insufficient mentorship and financing are the main hindrances to the advancement of women entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, according to the results of our latest poll.  A total of 32% of respondents said lack of mentorship and support was the biggest obstacle facing women entrepreneurs, while 30% identified insufficient funding and financing as the main challenge. Lack of opportunities was also an issue (23%), followed by a lack of financial education (11%) and lack of incentives... Read further.