New SAAO Visitor Centre opens in Cape Town: A landmark for astro-tourism in South Africa!

South Africa has taken a significant step forward in promoting astro-tourism with the official launch of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Visitor Centre in Cape Town. The new facility was inaugurated on 09 July 2025 by Blade Nzimande, the South African Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Located on the historic SAAO grounds in Observatory, the SAAO Visitor Centre is expected to draw more than 18,000 visitors annually, offering a unique combination of science, heritage, and cultural tourism. The centre was jointly funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Department of Tourism, and the National Research Foundation (NRF).

The SAAO, South Africa's national facility for optical and infrared astronomy, was established in 1972 and is operated by the National Research Foundation (NRF. Its newly opened Visitor Centre features:

• Interactive exhibits
• Historical telescopes
• Multilingual storytelling, including indigenous celestial narratives in isiXhosa and Khoekhoegowab

This inclusive and educational approach positions the centre as a premier destination for local and international visitors, blending science with South Africa's rich cultural heritage.

Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille welcomed the launch of the new centre, calling it a major milestone in implementing the National Astro-Tourism Strategy and Implementation Plan, which was approved by Cabinet in May 2025.

“The launch of the SAAO Visitor Centre is an inspiring example of how tourism can intersect meaningfully with science, culture and education. Through the National Astro-Tourism Strategy, we are opening the night skies to the world and creating new opportunities for local communities. The SAAO Visitor Centre, coupled with the Twee Rivieren Interpretation Centre in the Kgalagadi, are two new exciting facilities that share the indigenous narrative on astronomy,” said Minister De Lille.

The National Astro-Tourism Strategy is structured around three strategic pillars:

• Indigenous Celestial Narratives and Human Capacity Development
• Infrastructure Development
• Inclusive Tourism Growth and Partnerships

The SAAO Visitor Centre aligns with and advances the objectives of all three pillars, making it a flagship initiative in South Africa's push to become a global astro-tourism destination.

Beyond its cultural and scientific appeal, the SAAO Visitor Centre has contributed to job creation - 24 positions during the construction phase and 10 permanent roles for ongoing operations. It also supports the broader national goal of sustainable tourism development, destination enhancement, and knowledge preservation.

As part of the wider Astro-Tourism Strategy, the Department of Tourism is championing projects that showcase South Africa's clear night skies, world-class astronomical research, and diverse storytelling traditions. The new SAAO Visitor Centre in Cape Town, alongside initiatives like the Twee Rivieren Interpretation Centre in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, demonstrates how science, culture, and tourism can be harmoniously integrated to enrich both travelers and local communities.