South African National Parks (SANParks) is leading the way in eco-tourism and sustainability, with impressive growth figures and achievements to show for it. At the Africa Travel Indaba in Durban, SANParks executives highlighted the entity’s success in driving job creation and revenue generation.
In the 2022/2023 financial report, SANParks reported a 49% decrease in rhino poaching, a 42% increase in visitors, and R2.2 billion in tourism revenue. The entity also reached 87% of its annual targets, procured from designated groups, and provided contracts to 863 SMMEs.
Board member Bulelwa Koyana emphasized SANParks’ commercialization strategy, which has already generated R2 billion through private sector involvement. The entity is investing in SMME initiatives and skills training, with 79% of staff coming from local communities.
SANParks is on track for growth, leveraging its biodiversity for eco-tourism, job creation, and socio-economic development. The entity’s success is attributed to its commercial viability and partnerships with the private sector.
Board member Edgar Neluvhulani highlighted SANParks’ efforts to change perceptions within communities, moving away from the outdated view of rangers as “meat police.” The entity’s commitment to conservation and community engagement is evident in its achievements and future projections.
SANParks is not just a national treasure but a self-sustaining entity that continues to set the standard for eco-tourism and conservation in South Africa.