What kind of tourism business can I start?
- Tourist guiding: guiding visitors through cities, townships, heritage sites or nature
- Tour operating: packaging and running day trips or multi-day tours
- Accommodation: guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering units, lodges
- Activities and experiences: adventure, cultural, food and wine experiences
- Travel services: booking travel, events and corporate trips
How do I start a tourism business in South Africa?
- Choose your offering and target visitors
- Register the business and tax
- Meet the rules for your offering: guide registration, transport operating licence or accommodation zoning
- Get insurance, including public liability
- Set up bookings, payments and cancellation policies
- Consider star grading and tourism association membership
- List with online travel platforms and market directly
Do tourist guides need to be registered?
Yes. Under the Tourism Act, 2014, a person who guides tourists for reward must be registered as a tourist guide with the Provincial Registrar of Tourist Guides in their province. To register, guides complete accredited training for their category (for example culture, nature or adventure) and a first-aid certificate. Registration must be renewed periodically, and guides should carry their registration badge or card while working.
Do I need an operating licence for tours?
If you transport tourists for reward in your own vehicles, you need an operating licence for tourist transport under the National Land Transport Act, and drivers need the correct licence and a professional driving permit (PrDP). Vehicles must be roadworthy and insured. See how to start a transport business.
What do I need to open a guest house or B&B?
- Zoning or consent use: most municipalities require land-use approval to run a guest house or B&B on a residential property
- Building and fire safety: alterations need approved plans, and fire safety requirements apply
- Food hygiene: if you serve meals, the kitchen must meet food hygiene rules (Regulation R638)
- Liquor licence: needed to sell alcohol to guests
- Grading: star grading by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa is voluntary but builds trust
How much does it cost to start a tourism business?
| Business | Main costs |
|---|---|
| Tourist guide | Accredited training, first aid, registration, marketing |
| Tour operator | Vehicles, operating licence, insurance, guides, marketing |
| Guest house or B&B | Property improvements, furnishing, approvals, linen, marketing |
| Activities | Equipment, safety gear, insurance, permits for the location |
What tax requirements apply?
Register for income tax. VAT becomes compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds R2.3 million in 12 months (from 1 April 2026); accommodation and tours sold to foreign tourists in South Africa are generally subject to VAT. As an employer, register for UIF, PAYE where it applies and COIDA, and pay at least the national minimum wage.
How do I get tourism customers?
| Channel | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Online travel platforms | Reach local and international travellers who book online |
| Your own website | Direct bookings without commission |
| Google Business Profile and reviews | Visibility and trust for searchers nearby |
| Travel agents and inbound operators | Steady groups and international clients |
| Social media | Photos and videos of real experiences |
| Partnerships | Hotels, guest houses, airlines, event organisers |
What are the common mistakes?
- Guiding without being registered as a tourist guide
- Transporting tourists without an operating licence
- Opening a guest house without zoning consent
- No cancellation policy, leading to disputes
- Depending on peak season only, with no plan for quiet months
How can Uminathi help?
You can do these steps yourself. Uminathi can register your business, handle tax and VAT, write a business plan, and build a website that takes bookings.
Step by step
- Choose your offering. Decide between guiding, tours, accommodation, activities or travel services.
- Register business and tax. Register a company or trade as a sole proprietor, and register with SARS.
- Meet the rules for your offering. Register as a tourist guide, get a tourist transport operating licence or obtain accommodation zoning, as applicable.
- Insure. Take out public liability and other relevant insurance.
- Set up bookings and policies. Set up booking, payment and cancellation policies.
- Market and grow. List on travel platforms, build your website and collect reviews.