In South Africa, the problem is not overtourism, but the concentration of too many visitors around a small number of the most famous tourist attractions. The solution, according to an expert, is not to deter guests from iconic places, but to encourage them to look at the places they are already visiting in a new way. This mindset is the basis of the concept called 'Mini-tourism' (Tiny Tourist mindset).
The idea of 'Mini-tourism' arose as a response to the pressure of overtourism in Europe. Its main premise is simple: to go beyond the traditional bucket list and start showing curiosity towards smaller and less obvious experiences that give a place its authentic local flavor.
The author considers this idea particularly relevant for South Africa because, despite having outstanding attractions, the most popular routes are overcrowded. For example, on Table Mountain, 98% of tourists walk around the cable car station. This raises the question: what else can they see if they look further?
Essentially, 'Mini-tourism' represents a compact approach to travel. It includes visiting a local supermarket for unusual chip flavors, walking through a neighborhood dog park, or searching for a pool, cafe, bookstore, or sports club used by locals. As the report states, 'Mini-tourism' is a slower, scattered curiosity that celebrates micro-attractions and allows one to get to know a place through its details.
This does not mean completely abandoning iconic places. Kruger Park, Cape Point, and Union Buildings play an important role in an economy of attention where an iconic image can serve as a quick way to attract attention. One striking photograph can motivate someone to buy a plane ticket. However, once the postcard has served its function, one can move into the hyper-niche segment, where personal interests transform the experience of being in a place, allowing one to find their company on the other side of the world, rather than just taking a picture.
Recently, one of the author's colleagues visited Cape Town. Although the author suggested riding the cable car up Table Mountain, the colleague declined, deciding to watch an Aston Villa match—a kind of ritual during trips. As a result, he took an Uber to Bellville, watched the match during a power outage, and spent the evening with locals. He noted that it was thanks to this approach during business trips that he received some of the best local experiences.
The author has his own approach: he always looks for opportunities for open-water swimming. This led him to the urban lakes of Berlin and, closer to home, to the Konvile municipal pool near George, known for its beautiful late 1970s architecture. Neither of these places would likely make it onto a standard bucket list, but both were memorable for offering a different way to get to know a place.
Recently, the author took a train trip to Kalk Bay. A round-trip ticket costing 24 rand provided a safe, clean, and slow journey, the opportunity to observe people, and enjoy unparalleled views, offering a completely different perspective on a well-trodden route. The author hopes this will become an independent attraction. And speaking of the same coast, the question arises: why does Miller's Point, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful semi-urban campsites in the world, remain empty most of the year?
The need is not to build new attractions, but to become better at discovering, curating, and promoting those that already exist. This also changes the role of people providing tourism services. Guides must truly know their clients and understand their hyper-niche interests, rather than just following a standard bucket list. A friend of the author, a guide, once discovered that her client was passionate about sustainable development. Instead of taking him on a typical tour, she organized an excursion to the Cape Town municipal recycling plant. It was unforgettable and very specific.
The author recalls the phrase about diving safety: 'look up, look down, and look out for yourself.' Underwater, this is a practical safety check. As a traveler, he considers it excellent advice: look up and notice the ordinary shop windows that no one photographs. Look down and choose the R24 train instead of Uber. Look out for yourself and ask someone sitting on the steps of the Union Buildings where the best place to eat is.
None of this requires building anything new. The Kalk Bay train runs several times a day. Miller's Point is empty most of the year. Around our most famous attractions live locals who lead lives that tourists rarely see. The question is not whether South Africa has enough tiny, ordinary, yet remarkable things—it is obvious that it does. The task of those working in tourism strategy is to turn these 'Mini-tourism' micro-attractions into new main attractions, treating the ordinary with the same seriousness as the iconic.
The author wishes Miller's Point would receive the same attention.