The Coastal & Waterways Tourism Investment Summit 2025, hosted in Hartbeespoort, North West, concluded with a resounding call for unity, innovation, and investment to unlock the full potential of South Africa’s inland and coastal waterways.
Held over two days, the summit brought together government leaders, academics, industry stakeholders, and investors, creating a powerful platform for dialogue and partnership.
Key Insights from the Summit
Throughout the programme, delegates emphasized that tourism linked to waterways is not only about leisure — it is about economic transformation, job creation, and community empowerment.
Highlights included:
- Executive Mayor Cllr. Douglas Maimane calling for Bojanala’s dams and rivers to be seen as “blue gold” for tourism and investment.
- Dr. Nomtha Hadi (SAIMI) showcasing how a reimagined Operation Phakisa continues to drive aquaculture, youth training, and TVET partnerships across South Africa.
- Dr. Lynn Jonas (Nelson Mandela University) presenting tourism research and VR innovations that can inspire and educate youth while promoting sustainability.
- Dr. Imraan Davis (SAMSA) stressing boating safety, officer training, and incident reporting as vital to unlocking safe, reliable water-based tourism.
- Mr. Kgomotso Mokgethi (Department of Sports, Arts and Culture) highlighting the importance of protecting South Africa’s underwater cultural heritage, from shipwrecks to sacred lakes.
Opportunities for the Future
Discussions reaffirmed that inland waterways — including Hartbeespoort, Vaalkop, Bospoort, and Koster dams — have untapped potential to become hubs for:
- Eco-tourism (birding, nature trails, sustainable activities).
- Adventure tourism (rafting, kayaking, abseiling).
- Cultural and heritage tourism (community-led storytelling, underwater heritage).
- Public-private partnerships (PPPs) that attract investors while creating jobs for local communities.
Delegates also stressed that infrastructure and safety must remain priorities — from better-maintained roads to streamlined business permits — to create an enabling environment for investors and tourists alike.
Unity as the Catalyst
A recurring theme was unity in business and governance. By working together, government, the private sector, and communities can accelerate progress, close skills gaps, and ensure that economic opportunities reach youth and marginalized groups.
As one speaker noted: “Tourism is not just about recreation. It is about opportunity, resilience, and creating an economy that benefits generations to come.”
Looking Ahead
The summit closed with a message of gratitude to all delegates and partners who contributed to its success. Organisers confirmed that the 2nd Coastal & Waterways Tourism Investment Summit will be held in 2026, with the date and venue to be announced soon.
Until then, the work continues — building a tourism sector that is inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive, while turning South Africa’s inland waterways and coastal assets into engines of prosperity.
