News Bulletin of 8 January 2026, 5pm

Creative tourism in South Africa, including activities like cooking, crafts, and music, is on the rise. Research on millennials (born 1981–1996) found they prefer domestic experiences, drawn by authentic, skill-building opportunities. Women showed more interest than men in culture- and heritage-focused activities. Domestic trips were linked to learning, while international travel was often about escaping daily routines, highlighting domestic tourism’s strong potential for creative tourism growth.

South Africans have been voted as the most generous people in the world. This is according to a new study by U.S.-based financial services company Remitly. The study surveyed 4,500 participants across 25 countries, assessing behaviours such as empathy, emotional support, patience, kindness, and a willingness to put others first. Reflecting the country’s well-known spirit of ubuntu and compassion, South Africa ranked first, followed by the Philippines and the United States. Brand SA CEO Neville Matjie has this to say:

Guided hikes, heritage trails and storytelling sessions have returned to the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Heritage Site following its reopening after the festive season.
The Koppies are open on Sundays between 08:00 and 11:30. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including a 5km self-paced hike, a self-guided heritage trail, or exploring the reserve using available maps. Guided activities include 90-minute tours on Sundays at 08:00, an 8km group hike held on the last Sunday of each month, and a children’s storytelling session on the second Sunday of every month.