With tourism being one of the fastest growing economic sectors, the Department of Tourism is keen not only to increase employment in the sector, but also to increase arrivals by 15 million by 2030.

‘As part of our plan, our target will be to increase arrivals to 15 million by 2030 as stated in the National Development Plan (NDP),’ the Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said on Tuesday.

Addressing the media on the impact of tourism on the economy, De Lille said inclusive economic growth has been placed at the centre of the work of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and at the top of the national agenda.

‘The Department of Tourism is currently working on finalising our five-year plan which will align to the GNU priorities, the National Development Plan, the Tourism Sector Master Plan and the National Tourism Sector Strategy.’

She added that there was an opportunity to design the future of tourism for the next five to 10 years and that it is not going to be business as usual.

‘We have to drive urgenc
y in the implementation in our plans for us to succeed in reaching our targets. These action plans will be implemented together with the private sector inclusive of the whole tourism value chain. I want to recognise and thank all the hard-working people in the tourism sector, both public and private.

‘We have done very well to rebuild the sector after COVID-19 but now we have to do even more and better. I also want to thank you in advance for the work you are going to do,’ the Minister said.

De Lille said to address the first two priorities of the GNU, her department will also work to increase the number of jobs created in the tourism sector by driving greater implementation of programmes which support the private sector to create more jobs.

Three of the priorities of the GNU are to drive inclusive growth and job creation; to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living; and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.

‘We will also be working with Operation Vulindlela in the Presidency and
Departments of Home Affairs, Transport and Sport, Arts and Culture to facilitate improvements in the visa regime, grow the number of direct flights to and from South Africa, implement a more seamless tour operator licence process and invest in infrastructure and tourism sites that reflect and showcase our diverse culture and heritage for visitors to enjoy.

‘In terms of the third priority to build a capable, ethical and developmental state, our five year plan and targets will implement programmes for demand-led skills and a greater use of technology such as AI to enhance our tourism offering,’ the Minister said.

Tourism on the rise

De Lille said tourism was a serious business, employing millions and enabling many to own and operate their own businesses.

‘It is a multi-billion Rand economic sector for our country and it is on the rise. As one of the world’s most diverse and beautiful destinations, South Africa offers a variety of experiences, from wildlife safaris and natural scenic wonders to vibrant citie
s and cultural heritage.

‘As a country we have claimed many tourism awards for being a top destination, our cities have claimed awards, our airports have claimed awards and our establishments such as hotels and tourism experiences have clinched many awards,’ De Lille said.

Also speaking at the briefing was Chief Executive Officer of SA Tourism Nombulelo Guliwe who said the next five years work will be impactful.

‘People will see the growth to drive the inclusive growth. In this five years there will be positive growth,’ Guliwe said, adding that people should start talking about the impact of inclusive growth.

Thato Mothopeng from The South African Township and Village Tourism Association (SATOVITO) said there was a need to start discussing how to grow the tourism sector.

‘We need to grow the sector to create more job opportunities for our people,’ he said.

Source: South African Government News Agency