New Appointment at South African Tourism: Darryl Erasmus as Chief Operations Officer
South African Tourism (SA Tourism) has officially announced the appointment of Darryl Erasmus as the organisation’s new Chief Operations Officer, effective from January 7, 2025. This strategic move aims to enhance the operational framework of the organization and drive its mission forward.
In his new role as Chief Operations Officer, Darryl will oversee the Corporate Services functions of South African Tourism, ensuring that the internal business units operate efficiently and effectively. His responsibilities will also include the crucial task of implementing in-country localization efforts, alongside executing global strategies that align with the organization’s objectives. This dual focus is designed to bolster the operational capabilities of SA Tourism while promoting the country as a premier travel destination. Darryl brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this position, having previously served as the Chief Quality Assurance Officer in the Tourism Grading Council business unit within South African Tourism.
His extensive background encompasses significant leadership roles in the hospitality, tourism, and corporate communications sectors. Throughout his career, he has held senior positions in marketing and sales with prominent brands such as Travelport, Protea Hotels, and Intercontinental Hotels. Additionally, he served as the Managing Director at BLAZE Integrated Hospitality Marketing Agency, where he specialized in integrated marketing communications. Most recently, he contributed his advisory and consulting skills in the tourism and hospitality sector as a Director at DAX Advisory Services. Expressing enthusiasm about the appointment, Nombulelo Guliwe, CEO of SA Tourism, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Darryl Erasmus back to South African Tourism as our new Chief Operations Officer.
His appointment will not only reinforce our management structures but will also play a pivotal role in advancing our strategic goals while enhancing the competitiveness of our destination. I am confident that his leadership will significantly improve our operational excellence and amplify our global impact.” Darryl Erasmus himself expressed his excitement about rejoining SA Tourism, stating, “I am thrilled to return to an organization for which I have a profound affinity and personal connection. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the CEO and Board for granting me the opportunity to serve South Africa and the broader tourism sector once again. I am dedicated to collaboratively building a capable, high-performance entity that champions tourism growth, enhances economic impact, elevates the sector’s profile, and showcases the beauty of our country to the global audience.”
Darryl’s appointment was officially approved by the South African Tourism board in December 2024. He is currently completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Studies from Henley Business School and has finished a Postgraduate Global Executive Development Program from GIBS. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Business Management from Oxford Brooks University, along with qualifications in Financial Management, Training Management, Manager Development, Marketing, and Business Management. “I am looking forward to reconnecting with the team and collaborating with industry stakeholders both domestically and internationally to promote our exceptional destination that offers unforgettable and uniquely authentic experiences reflective of South Africa,” concluded Darryl.
