Simon Nare
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has called on communities in every corner of South Africa to embark on cultural and heritage activities as the country observes Tourism Month in September so as to popularise these activities which are attractive to tourists.
Speaking during the launch of Tourism Month in Kimberley, Northern Cape, De Lille said South Africa was not all about safaris and wildlife but that this aspect of tourism, which she termed hidden gems, was crucial in growing economies in townships and rural areas.
She encouraged residents from the obscure areas to dispel the myth that tourism was about Table Mountain and other international renowned destinations.
“As we roll out our 2024 Tourism Month campaign under the theme; ‘Tourism and Peace – 30 years of connecting people, places and culture’, let us showcase our many communities’ unique traditions, languages, and heritage. Let us celebrate the unity that emerges from our diversity.
“So let me encourage you today, to play your part: Promote any hidden treasures that deserve recognition in your neighbourhood and province,” pleaded the minister.
De Lille said this was the only way communities could contribute to the economic vitality of their local lifestyles and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism were felt in every corner of the country thereby contributing to regional development.
The Minister said tourism contributed immensely to the country’s Gross Domestic Product and in the first quarter of the year the sector contributed 8.8% which was more than mining, transport, agriculture and nearly matched the government’s contribution.
She added that the sector’s contribution to GDP is also expected to grow to 10.4% of GDP by 2030.
De Lille hailed the surging numbers of domestic travel, saying in 2023 the country recorded 38 million domestic trips which translated into R121 billion spent to the economy.
“This surge in domestic tourism highlights the critical role that domestic travellers play in sustaining our industry. As I have always said, domestic tourism is the bedrock of our sector.
“We are committed to working closely with all our partners, in the tourism value chain, to make travel more affordable and accessible for all South Africans. Our domestic market is a powerhouse within the tourism sector,” she said.
De Lille said the domestic tourism’s performance underscored the significant economic impact of domestic tourism, which remained a key focus area for the department as it continued to drive further improvements and encourage more South Africans to explore their own country.
The Sho’t Left campaign was the major driver of domestic travel and has become one of the most successful initiatives promoting domestic tourism during the annual Sho’t Left Travel Week Campaign, she said.
The campaign lured domestic travellers by offering discounted deals of up to 50% and encouraged locals to access travel and discover the many wonders within our borders. This year it takes place between September 2 to 8th.
The Minister added that there were several tourism strategies that have been drafted and all that needed to be done was to implement them.
INSIDE POLITICS
