Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille cuts the ribbon to officially open the new Smart Tourism Visitor Information Centre at OR Tambo International Airport, marking a major step towards fully digital, real-time tourism services in South Africa. Picture Credits: X_@Tourism_gov_za
By Thulane Madalane
Johannesburg – OR Tambo International Airport has launched its new Smart Tourism Visitor Information Centre, a fully digital, interactive hub designed to give travellers instant access to real-time tourism, culture and heritage content from all nine provinces.
Located inside the arrivals area, the centre replaces the old brochure-based setup with touchscreens, QR codes and dynamic displays that highlight attractions, safety tips, and travel experiences across South Africa. Visitors can explore information on the large interactive screens or quickly scan a code and continue browsing on their phones.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, who officially opened the centre, said the launch comes at the ideal moment as South Africa welcomes G20 delegates and prepares for the festive tourism rush.
“This is not the old information centre with stacks of paper. It’s all digital, showcasing every province, providing safety tips and allowing visitors to take the information with them on their phones. This is how we are advancing,” — Patricia de Lille, Tourism Minister
Airports Company South Africa’s (ACSA) Jabulani Khambule said the facility marks a major step forward in the country’s tourism infrastructure, reflecting a shift toward technology-driven visitor services.
“This is a very proud moment for ACSA. The centre is safe, reliable, informative and aligned with global standards. It is a true one-stop shop for everything South Africa has to offer,” — Jabulani Khambule, ACSA
The Department of Tourism added that the country is fully prepared to welcome international visitors arriving for the G20 summit and the upcoming holiday season, with the new centre positioned as a key gateway to South Africa’s tourism offerings.
