Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Research Repository?
The Tourism Sector Research Repository functions as a centralized digital platform for the storage, management, and dissemination of frameworks, journal articles and conference papers produced in collaboration with public higher education and research institutions that have established Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) with the Department of Tourism. Its primary objective is to facilitate evidence-based decision-making, inform policy development, and ensure the preservation of knowledge.
Which higher education and research institutions have partnered with the Department of Tourism and contributed publications to the Research Repository?
• University of Pretoria
• University of Johannesburg
• University of KwaZulu-Natal
• North West University
• University of Venda
• Council for Scientific Industrial Research
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Cape Pensinsula University of Technology
• University of Zululand
• University of Johannesburg
• University of KwaZulu-Natal
• North West University
• University of Venda
• Council for Scientific Industrial Research
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Cape Pensinsula University of Technology
• University of Zululand
Who can access the repository?
Access is open to departmental officials, Tourism stakeholders and the public as approved by the Department of Tourism.
What information can I find in the research repository?
In addition to research publications, the repository provides access to information on the Tourism Research Agenda, the Research Seminar, and research publications produced by postgraduate students who received financial support from the Department.
What is not included in the research repository?
The research repository does not include legislative prescripts for the tourism sector, departmental annual reports, strategic documents, event promotional materials, brochures, or similar items. These resources are available on the Department’s main website, where statistical reports can also be accessed from the landing page.
Who is eligible to submit work to the repository?
Users, members of the public, and institutions that do not have a research partnership with the Department of Tourism are not eligible to submit reports or information for publication in the research repository.
How can I search for research documents?
Documents can be located using the search bar or advanced filters, such as title, author, theme, or publication year.
Can I download, share, use or print documents from the repository?
Yes, with proper citation and in compliance with departmental data-sharing and intellectual property policies. Sensitive or restricted documents may require formal permission for reuse.
What should I do if I cannot find a specific document?
For support, contact the Directorate: Knowledge Management at: KM@tourism.gov.za | ☎ 012 444 6383.
How can I provide feedback or suggest improvements?
Feedback and suggestions can be submitted through the repository’s feedback form or directly to the Directorate via email.
What is the NTIMS?
The National Tourism Information and Monitoring System (NTIMS) is a central digital platform used by the Department of Tourism to collect, manage, and report data on tourism-related enterprises and facilities across South Africa.
How does NTIMS work?
The NTIMS will store comprehensive data on tourism businesses, products and services reflecting size, nature, type of services offered, geographical spread and area of operation.
What kind of data is captured in the NTIMS?
NTIMS collects: - Business profiles (name, registration, ownership) - Type of tourism services (e.g., Accommodation, Attractions, Hospitality, Tour operator, Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Events, Travel Agencies, transport) - Operational status - Employment and skills information - Transformation data (e.g., B-BBEE level, women/youth ownership) - Geographic location (with geo-coding).
Can I register more than one business on NTIMS?
Yes — If you manage multiple establishments (e.g., a lodge and a tour company), you must treat each as a separate registration, supplying full details for each.
Who must provide data to the NTIMS?
o All tourism businesses falling under the following categories through a self-registration process
• Accommodation
• Attractions
• Hospitality
• Tour operator
• Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Events
• Travel Agencies
• Transport
o Provincial and local government tourism authorities
o Industry bodies and associations
o Department-appointed field enumerators
• Accommodation
• Attractions
• Hospitality
• Tour operator
• Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Events
• Travel Agencies
• Transport
o Provincial and local government tourism authorities
o Industry bodies and associations
o Department-appointed field enumerators
Must the businesses be graded or registered with a certain institution before capturing data on NTIMS?
Businesses do not need to be officially graded or registered with any institution before their data is captured on NTIMS. The system captures the actual circumstances on the ground; businesses are included regardless of their current grading or registration status.
Why should tourism businesses register on NTIMS?
a) For businesses to have an increased visibility and legitimacy.
b) Eligibility for government support, funding, and training.
c) Compliance with sector regulations.
d) Participation in research and promotional initiatives.
b) Eligibility for government support, funding, and training.
c) Compliance with sector regulations.
d) Participation in research and promotional initiatives.
How frequent is data updated on NTIMS?
At least annually through verification campaigns - Businesses can update their own profiles anytime - Updates may also occur during surveys and inspections.
Who uses NTIMS data?
National and provincial Departments of Tourism - Local municipalities - SA Tourism and marketing agencies - Researchers and policy-makers - Tourism development partners.
How is the data from NTIMS utilized?
For policy development and sector planning - To monitor growth, transformation, and trends - To identify development opportunities - For impact assessments (e.g., disaster response).
Is it mandatory to register on NTIMS?
Registration is not yet compulsory, but is highly encouraged for all tourism businesses, especially to benefit from government support and recognition.
Is NTIMS data publicly available?
Only aggregated and anonymized data is published through reports. Individual business information is protected and used internally for planning.
How can I access reports from NTIMS?
On the Department of Tourism’s website - Upon formal request to the NTIMS administrators - Through government publications and annual reports.
What are common challenges faced by NTIMS?
Incomplete or outdated information - Low participation by micro and rural tourism enterprises - Verification constraints - Limited awareness and digital literacy.
What is the link between NTIMS and provincial tourism databases?
NTIMS acts as a national aggregator, consolidating data from provinces to create a unified national picture of the tourism supply landscape.