Why Johannesburg Deserves a Bigger Place in South Africa’s Tourism Story

When travellers dream of South Africa, Cape Town and the Kruger National Park often take centre stage. Yet, for Wilson Tauro, Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France–KLM, Johannesburg deserves far greater attention – not only as a gateway to these destinations but as a destination in its own right.

Johannesburg’s strength lies in its strategic connectivity. With direct domestic flights to regional hubs across the country, the city is perfectly positioned as the ideal launchpad for visitors wanting to explore the country. “Johannesburg is the heartbeat of South Africa,” says Tauro. “It’s the perfect starting point for any traveller wanting to experience South Africa’s diversity, energy, and soul.”

Tauro explains that within a four-hour radius of Johannesburg, a variety of world-class escapes await. This includes the beautiful Hartbeespoort Dam, the game-rich Pilanesberg, the fly-fishing haven of Dullstroom, the greenery of Mpumalanga, and the majestic Drakensberg mountains, which Tauro describes as “a personal favourite.” These easily accessible destinations offer international visitors a far deeper and more diverse experience than can be achieved by focusing solely on South Africa’s primary tourist hubs. For this reason, Tauro believes Johannesburg is the ideal launchpad for travellers looking to explore the true breadth of the country.

A respected voice in the travel and aviation sector, Tauro has served as Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France-KLM for the past four years and believes that Johannesburg’s reputation as merely a business hub undersells its cultural and lifestyle appeal.

Having lived in South Africa for several years, Tauro speaks not only as a business leader but as someone who has come to deeply admire the country and its people. “South Africa has made a lasting impact on me. Its warmth, its diversity, and its spirit of perseverance are unlike anywhere else in the world,” he says. “Yes, the country faces its challenges, but its beauty, creativity, and sense of possibility continue to inspire me every day. It’s a place that truly gets under your skin, in the best way.”

Beyond its connectivity, Johannesburg offers a rich mix of culture, cuisine, and entertainment that rivals any major global city. From its electric nightlife and thriving restaurant scene to landmarks like Gold Reef City, the Maboneng Precinct, and the Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg is a city that never stops evolving. “It’s a place where history and innovation meet, where you can visit a world-class art gallery in the morning, enjoy authentic township cuisine for lunch, and end your day at a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline,” Tauro adds.

As global travel continues to recover, Tauro believes that international visitors who choose Johannesburg as their base will gain a deeper, more authentic connection to South Africa. “If you start your journey here, you’re starting at the centre of South Africa’s heartbeat, surrounded by its people, its stories, and its energy.”

For Air France–KLM, which connects South Africa to the world through daily flights between Johannesburg, Cape Town, and major European cities via Amsterdam and Paris, encouraging travellers to explore Johannesburg is central to its vision. “We see travel as a bridge, one that connects cultures and communities,” Tauro continues. “By inviting visitors to experience Johannesburg, we’re helping the world see South Africa as the multifaceted, inspiring destination it truly is.”