As I reflect on the recent release of South Africa’s experimental estimates for biodiversity-based tourism, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. This groundbreaking report offers a fascinating glimpse into how this unique sector contributes to our economy, creates jobs, and boosts tourism spend.
So, what exactly is biodiversity-based tourism? It’s simpler than you might think. Whenever you visit a game park, hike in a nature reserve, snorkel along our stunning coastline, unwind in a national botanical garden, or simply enjoy any of South Africa’s rich biodiversity for recreation, you’re partaking in biodiversity-based tourism. This sector includes activities connected to our natural ecosystems and indigenous species.
To truly appreciate biodiversity-based tourism, we must understand its economic value, which comprises two key elements. First, the price that both local (resident) and international (non-resident) visitors pay for tourism products and services centred around our biodiversity assets and ecosystem services. Second, the direct spending on ancillary tourism businesses, such as food and beverages, transportation, and accommodation, which support these activities.
The Experimental Biodiversity-Based Tourism Estimates for South Africa, 2013 to 2019 discussion document sheds light on the economic significance of biodiversity-based tourism and its overall impact on our tourism sector. Here are some key insights from the report:
Contribution to the Tourism Sector and National GDP
Biodiversity-based tourism is a vital component of the broader tourism sector. In 2019, it contributed R27,726 million (or R27.7 billion) to our GDP, accounting for 13.3% of the tourism sector’s economic activity. To put it simply, for every R100 generated by the tourism sector, R13.30 came from biodiversity-based tourism.
Interestingly, the contribution of biodiversity-based tourism to the tourism direct GDP peaked at 15.4% in 2013, dipped to 12.8% in 2018, and then rose again to 13.3% in 2019. On a national level, biodiversity-based tourism contributed 0.5% to South Africa’s GDP in 2019.
Contribution to Tourism Employment and the South African Workforce
The broader tourism sector accounted for 3.7% of the GDP in 2019, up from 3.3% in 2013. This data comes from Stats SA’s Tourism Satellite Account for South Africa (TSA) report, which highlights the sector’s economic role. Building on the TSA, Stats SA utilised data from the South African Tourism (SAT) Departure Survey and its own Domestic Tourism Survey to compile these biodiversity-based tourism estimates.
Expenditure
Tourism expenditure refers to the money spent by both local and international visitors during their travels. This includes spending on accommodation, recreation, transportation, and food, which are crucial for driving revenue and growth in the tourism sector.
Domestic visitors are the backbone of biodiversity-based tourism, responsible for 70.4% of total expenditure in 2019. Inbound visitors, including same-day visitors and tourists from other countries, contributed 29.6%. Apart from 2018, domestic visitors consistently accounted for the majority of biodiversity-based tourism expenditure from 2013 to 2019. Popular activities among domestic visitors included beach trips, wildlife activities, visits to parks and gardens, and excursions to mountainous areas.
For more information, I encourage you to download the Experimental Biodiversity-Based Tourism Estimates for South Africa, 2013 to 2019 discussion document here.
This report is the fifth discussion document published by Stats SA in the Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) series. Compiled with input from the National Department of Tourism, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), South African Tourism (SAT), and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), these accounts are essential for implementing the National NCA Strategy.