Visit South Africa virtually with Google and SA Tourism's Explorer's Paradise

26 Feb 2021

Google Arts & Culture (GAC), in partnership with SA Tourism, yesterday launched an online exhibition called "South Africa: An Explorer's Paradise", which allows visitors from all over the world to explore SA through a collection of 500 images and videos, 55 Street Views and 20 digital stories.

Image: Supplied

This is the first phase in a long-term collaboration to celebrate South Africa’s diverse people, its rich cultural heritage and its breathtaking landscapes.

Covid-19 has put pressure on the tourism industry in South Africa, and globally, and the project offers audiences the opportunity to virtually discover the best of the country.

“South Africa has been aptly described as a microcosm of the world, a place where civilisations meet,” says Google South Africa country director Alistair Mokoena. “With its spectacular views, stunning wildlife and unbeatable biodiversity, bustling modern cities, and vibrant economy, South Africa is often described as “A world in one country”.

Image: Supplied

“In 2019 more than 10 million people visited. In 2020, on average, arrivals were substantially lower - October 2020 saw 91% fewer arrivals than October 2019, for example. We wanted to promote South Africa’s heritage and destinations in a way that hasn’t been done before to tempt them to visit in person as soon as they can,” says Mokoena.

For SA Tourism, this marks the start of formalising a relationship and partnership that will play a crucial part in the sector’s recovery.

“The Google Arts and Culture platform does a great job in creating awareness for the rest of the world to get a spectacular glimpse of South Africa, but what also excites me is the potential of the partnership to grow the sector on the digital front,” comments SA Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona.

Image: Supplied

“We know that digitally-led is the norm and, through our partnership, we hope to equip the sector with the necessary skills to thrive and adapt in a digital environment.”

“We have already started introducing some of Google’s offerings at our nationwide SMME workshops and will continue with this and more throughout this year,” Ntshona adds.

Explore South Africa online by visiting g.co/sharesouthafrica, or download the Android or iOS Google Arts & Culture app.