Cape Town, Kruger still SA’s big hitters
2016 promises to be good year for SA tourism, says Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom.
|||Cape Town - This year promises to be one of strong growth for the South African tourism sector, and specifically the Western Cape.
This was according to Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom as he presented the 2016/2017 budget of more than R2-billion to Parliament on Tuesday.
More than 50 percent of the budget will go towards marketing initiatives. About R110-million has been allocated to promote domestic tourism.
The National Development Plan features the sector as a significant economic driver.
Speaking to the Cape Times on Tuesday, Hanekom said close to 1.5 million people were employed in the tourism sector.
“Following two decades of consistent and impressive growth, 2015 was not a good year for tourism in our country. Global and economic pressures took their toll and perceptions of health risks discouraged travel to South Africa,” said Hanekom, adding the Ebola outbreak, although only present in West African countries, created fear of travelling to South Africa.
“Visa and other travel documentation requirements had a further negative impact on tourism. The result was that international tourist arrivals declined by 6.8 percent compared to the previous year.”
However, the tourism sector proved resilient. In January, more than a million tourists arrived in South Africa – 15 percent more than in January last year. February brought an increase of 18 percent, with the depreciating rand a significant pull factor.
“The World Travel and Tourism council estimates tourism will earn R120bn in export earnings and contribute more than R380bn to the economy,” he said.
With changes made to immigration relations, he noted, the Chinese market is rebounding strongly. Tourist arrivals from China in January nearly doubled, compared to the same time last year.
“The Western Cape has to be one of our greatest tourism attraction, with what Cape Town and surrounds have to offer. Our best known and best attractors are Cape Town and Kruger National Park.”
Hanekom said Robben Island’s visitors’ information centres are being enhanced, guides are being trained and crucial information is being digitised.
He added that signage and information at iconic national heritage sites that symbolise the life of Nelson Mandela will be improved, including the Drakenstein Correctional Centre.
“Attractors in Cape Town are already well managed, including Kirstenbosch and Table Mountain. We have the wine route, and the beaches by in large are very well run.
“One of the programmes we announced will assist the Western Cape with the 200 young workers which are going to be employed this year to retain the Blue Flag status of beaches along the coastline.”
Hanekom said the department was also looking to effect a greater seasonal spread of tourism for Cape Town, mainly at popular destinations during summer. “(We want to) focus on key markets like the Middle East – Cape Town has an abundance of halaal-friendly restaurants and hotels.”
He said the Service Excellence training programme will also help equip hotels, restaurants and attractions’ staff.
Cape Times
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