The socio-economic benefits of the commercialisation of tourism in South African National Parks 2024/25
This study examines how tourism commercialisation within South African National Parks (SANParks) contributes to socio-economic development, with a particular emphasis on the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Drawing on data from the 2024/25 financial year, the research – conducted by International Conservation Services and The Collective Impact Advisory – demonstrates that collaboration between the public and private sectors enables parks to generate economic value while maintaining their conservation mandate. PPPs emerge as a critical mechanism for unlocking opportunities that extend beyond tourism operations to broader developmental outcomes.
The findings highlight tangible benefits such as job creation, support for enterprise development, and increased revenue generation, while also showing how surrounding communities benefit through skills development, local procurement, and targeted social investment. Overall, the study demonstrates that well-managed tourism commercialisation can successfully balance environmental sustainability with inclusive economic growth. In addition, the researchers also documented practical success stories from PPP initiatives across the SANParks system. These case-based examples show how partnerships can deliver real, measurable benefits to local communities while improving visitor experiences and supporting the long-term sustainability of tourism operations. The diversity of these cases illustrates the flexibility of PPP models across different park contexts and market segments, offering evidence-based insights into effective approaches to tourism commercialisation. Collectively, these examples reinforce the study’s conclusion that PPPs are a powerful tool for advancing both conservation objectives and socio-economic upliftment. Socio-economic booklet 2026
Dr Liandi Slabbert
International Conservation Services