South Africa’s minister of tourism, Patricia de Lille, will visit Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia from February 2 to 6, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen tourism ties, improve air connectivity and support market growth in South-east Asia.
The region has emerged as one of South Africa’s faster-growing outbound markets. Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are forecast to record compound annual growth rates of around eight per cent across most travel segments to 2030. Air access from Asia and Australasia into South Africa has also increased, with seat capacity rising 37.6 per cent year on year, reflecting expanding airline services and renewed demand.
The visit will begin in Singapore, followed by engagements in Malaysia and Indonesia. Discussions will focus on converting growth potential into sustained arrivals, deeper commercial partnerships and longer-term economic value.
Air connectivity will be a central theme of the visit. In Singapore, de Lille is scheduled to meet with Singapore Airlines and Changi Airport Group to discuss route development, flight frequencies, incentive frameworks and South Africa’s role as a gateway to Africa for South-east Asian travellers. In Indonesia, engagements will take place at the ASTINDO Travel Fair in Jakarta, including meetings with international and regional airlines operating in the market.
Market alignment will also form part of the programme. In Malaysia and Indonesia, discussions will focus on halal-friendly tourism, luxury travel and longhaul leisure offerings, including coastal cities and nature-based destinations. In Singapore, a mature and high-yield market, the emphasis will be on business travel, meetings and events, premium leisure and repeat visitation.
The programme includes bilateral meetings with government counterparts and tourism authorities in all three markets. In Indonesia, a tourism cooperation memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed. Industry meetings with hotel groups, investors and developers are also planned, covering hospitality, eco-tourism and related infrastructure development.
de Lille commented: “My first official visit to South-east Asia as minister of tourism comes at a time when the region is showing strong growth potential for South Africa. We are here to work closely with our partners to expand air access, align our tourism offerings with market demand, and unlock new opportunities that will foster bilateral trade growth.
“We are confident that this visit will deliver meaningful outcomes that strengthen our partnerships with the region over the long term.”
