South African Tourism has named Gate 7 as its public relations and communications agency for Australia and New Zealand, following a competitive tender.
The Sydney-based tourism marketing specialist will work alongside South African Tourism’s local team to build awareness and drive visitation from both markets, with a remit spanning earned media, social and broader communications.
The appointment comes on the back of strong inbound momentum. Australian arrivals to South Africa topped 121,000 in 2025 – up 23.2 per cent year-on-year and ahead of pre-pandemic levels – while New Zealand arrivals grew 15.8 per cent over the same period.
Gcobani Mancotywa of South African Tourism said Australasia remains a strategic priority globally.
“Through our platform, ‘South Africa Awaits: Come Find Your Joy,’ we invite travellers not just to visit, but to experience the stories behind our landscapes, our people, and our culture,” he said. “With Gate 7, we’re looking forward to working with a partner who understands how to translate these stories into locally relevant narratives.”
Gate 7 will put a spotlight on accessibility, including direct flights from Sydney and Perth and one-stop connections across Australia and New Zealand. Johannesburg will also be positioned as a stopover destination in its own right, with the city’s growing profile in art, history and food flagged as a drawcard.
Jo Palmer, founder and managing director of Gate 7, said South Africa resonates strongly with travellers across the region.
“Whether it’s safari, Cape Town’s neighbourhoods or cultural immersion, South Africa offers depth, diversity and exceptional value,” she said. “We look forward to bringing these stories to life in a way that feels inspiring and within reach.”
The agency’s work will target both first-time and repeat travellers, with a focus on nature-based travel, cultural experiences and multi-region itineraries – all areas of growing demand from Australian and New Zealand outbound markets.
