Pretoria: Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille is set to formalize a significant partnership with Google, a move that will bring together the South African Ministry of Tourism and the digital giant in a collaborative effort. This agreement, to be signed with Dr. Alistair Mokoena, the Country Director for Google South Africa, aligns with the department’s initiative to use technology in marketing South Africa’s tourism attractions.

According to South African Government News Agency, this partnership marks a pivotal step in combining the technological prowess of Google with the promotional efforts of the Ministry of Tourism. It will be centered around non-monetary exchanges, aiming to utilize the strengths of both parties for mutual advantages. The primary focus of this collaboration is to leverage Google’s technological expertise to boost the Ministry’s efforts in positioning South Africa as a leading tourist destination.

The partnership is expected to encompass several key areas, including digital skills training, promotion of culture and heritage sites, and thought leadership. By integrating Google’s technology and insights, South African Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the tourism sector can present their offerings more innovatively, thereby attracting potential tourists and encouraging them to explore the country.

This collaboration aligns with the overarching goal of increasing international tourist arrivals and boosting domestic travel in South Africa. The Department of Tourism anticipates that this partnership will not only enhance the growth of tourism businesses but also contribute significantly to the country’s economic expansion and job creation initiatives.