Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga is a stunning natural wonder featured in SAT's ad enticing travellers to visit South Africa.
Image: Arthur Hickinbotham/Unsplash
In a world often overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of daily life, South African Tourism (SAT) is proud to position the country as an oasis of joy and discovery.
Recently unveiling its global campaign, aptly titled "South Africa Awaits - Come Find Your Joy!", SAT invites travellers to embark on a captivating journey across the nation, celebrating its vibrant culture, rich heritage, and exhilarating experiences.
Thembisle Sehloho, chief marketing officer of South African Tourism, emphasised the ethos behind this dynamic initiative: “In a world where life’s simple joys often get lost in the rush of daily routines, our new global campaign is an invitation to reignite that child-like curiosity and embrace the thrill of exploration.”
Through this message, SAT aims to rekindle the sense of wonder often experienced during travel - a sentiment echoed throughout the campaign.
The heart of this campaign lies in a breathtaking television advert designed to capture the essence of South Africa, which has been well received on social media.
Developed in collaboration with Avatar, one of the nation’s premier independent creative agencies, the campaign is spearheaded by Phil Ireland, its acclaimed chief creative officer.
Ireland and his team faced the challenge of presenting South Africa’s narrative in a profoundly engaging manner, transcending traditional tourism advertising.
“We wanted to create something that resonated emotionally, something that went beyond traditional tourism advertising,” stated Ireland.
“Our creative approach was simple yet profound - seeing South Africa through the eyes of a child. Through this lens, we captured the raw joy, boundless wonder, and uninhibited excitement that make our country a place of infinite discovery.”
The advert takes viewers on an enchanting journey from the pulsating streets of Johannesburg to the serene beauty of the Cape Winelands.
Featuring interpretations of South Africa’s cultural tapestry by award-winning local talents, it showcases the creativity and innovations reflective of the nation’s artistic spirit.
Musically, the campaign features the iconic track by celebrated singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela, who expressed his passion for the project: “I love my country; it’s my home, and this ad reminds those living here and everyone visiting how amazing South Africa is.”
This campaign is not only an invitation for international visitors but also a revitalisation of South Africa’s identity on the global stage.
It aligns seamlessly with South African Tourism’s broader vision of promoting economic growth and uplifting communities through tourism, reaffirming the nation’s place as a leading global destination for leisure, culture, and adventure.
“Our campaign is about so much more than just showcasing breathtaking landscapes — it's about telling an authentic, deeply rooted South African story,” explained Sehloho.
With a target of attracting 15 million visitors annually by 2030, the campaign sets itself as a crucial element in achieving the country's ambitious tourism growth goals as outlined in the government’s National Development Plan.
As the campaign rolls out globally in the coming weeks, it encourages a new wave of travellers to embark on their journeys of adventure within South Africa.
From its rich music and diverse culture to stunning landscapes and culinary delights, the campaign captures the allure of South Africa as an irresistible destination for joy-seekers.
Ireland succinctly summarises the campaign’s ethos: “This campaign gave us an opportunity to share South Africa’s story in its most vibrant, unfiltered form.
"With the full support of South African Tourism, we were able to create something truly special - an invitation for the world to come and experience the soul of our country.”
Sehloho concluded, “The world is ready to rediscover joy - and South Africa is ready to offer it. The time to visit is now.”
