As Johannesburg hosts the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit this week, the influx of international delegates represents a “powerful showcase” for South Africa that will bolster both the tourism and property sectors.
That’s the view of Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group.
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“Tourism and real estate have always been closely linked,” Everitt said.
“When global attention turns to any destination, visitor numbers rise, confidence grows and investment tends to follow”.
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He noted that South Africa has repeatedly seen this pattern, with major events like the 2010 Fifa World Cup and the 2023 Brics and Agoa summits leading to visitors “who often returned later as property investors, homebuyers or repeat tourists”.
Everitt said the economic impact will be far-reaching, with tourism already contributing around 8.8% of SA’s GDP and employing approximately 1.7 million people.
He pointed to StatsSA figures showing that from January to September this year, South Africa welcomed over 7.6 million international visitors, an increase of more than 1.1 million compared to the same period in 2024.
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“Since it is estimated by the Tourism Department that for every 12 arrivals, at least one direct and one indirect job is created, this translates into more than 160 000 additional livelihoods supported,” said Everitt.
He also highlighted the value of the international MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industry, which was worth over $523 billion in 2023.
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SA’s $6.6 billion share of that market is projected to quadruple by 2031, fueling demand for “more hotels, resorts, business parks, logistics hubs and residential developments,” he added.
Everitt argues that ultimately, the primary benefit to the property market comes from job creation.
“Even more importantly, though, more tourism means more jobs, and that means thousands more South Africans who have a steady income and are thus able to rent or buy decent homes of their own,” he said.
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