On July 16, 2024, Deputy Tourism Minister, Makhotso Sotyu delivered the following address for the Department of Tourism during the Budget Vote Plenary
As we enter a new 7th administration, we all embrace our mandate on Tourism with renewed vigour, determination and commitment as we give expression to the National Development Plan and our mandate of leading sustainable tourism development for inclusive economic growth in South Africa.
Tourism captures the rich tapestry of our people, places and passion and gives expression to the narrative of the South African story.
It is a celebration of South Africa and continues to be recognised for its immense potential and significant contribution to the economy.
We are determined to deliver growth in the tourism sector that is characterised by increase in tourist arrivals, improved length of stay as well as geographic spread that sees tourism benefits shared across the breadth of our country.
This growth must improve the sector’s contribution to economic and create jobs. We are determined to see even more inclusive participation in the tourism economy.
Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA)
Our visitors must be assured excellent experience when they hit our shores. We must assure them of world-class experiences that are uniquely South African.
The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) will promote excellence in the provision of tourism services, facilities and products through implementation of a revitalised tourism grading system.
The collaboration between the Department and the SA Tourism intended to expand access to the grading system will be implemented.
We will also ensure that the grading system remains world class and appropriate for our own environment in South Africa; the Grading Criteria Review will be reviewed during the 2024/25 financial year.
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE)
In the recognition of the importance of business to the growth of tourism, we focus on supporting growth in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sub-sector.
As a country, our reputation as destination for business tourism is undisputed. The quality of business events held in South Africa is world-renowned.
Through the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB), we will take advantage of Africa’s huge growth opportunity in this sub-sector.
The SANCB will focus on capitalising on previous successes to accelerate growth through the consolidation of multiple national efforts when bidding for international meetings.
It also serves to further consolidate and co-ordinate efforts on a national scale, increasing our capacity to bid for even more business-tourism related events.
Twenty-two African countries participated in the show and 25 SMMEs participated in the Development Zone, funded and managed by the Department of Tourism.
The South African National Conventions Bureau is also mandated to create market access platforms for South African leisure tourism and business events products at international trade exhibitions.
The Department of Tourism’s Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP) utilises these strategic platforms created by SA Tourism for market access opportunities for SMMEs that qualify for support through the programme.
Infrastructure programme
The Department’s infrastructure programme aims to refurbish tourism assets, increase visitor experience, support tourism attractions' sustainability, and provide employment opportunities.
For the 2024/25 financial year, the target according to the Department’s Annual Performance Plan is to monitor the implementation of 22 Community Based Tourism Projects: 11 in Limpopo, two in the Free State, two in North West, two in Northern Cape, one in KwaZulu-Natal, two in Eastern Cape, and two in Mpumalanga.
Employment and skill
Tourism remains the world's fastest growing employment sector. But tourism is so much more than generating revenue. To drive growth and recovery, we need to boost the talent pool and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
As an economic lever, it also provides opportunities for meaningful participation in the economy
The Department implements skills programmes in line with the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) and the Tourism Sector Human Resource Development (TSHRD) strategy, to strategically support the tourism sector’s developmental objectives.
The recruitment and selection of participants considers the geographical spread of all municipalities, with a particular focus on villages, towns, and small dorpies (VTSD).
The training includes skills programmes accredited by the Cultural, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, Sports Sector Education Training Authority (CATHSSETA) and Food and Beverage Sector Education and Tourism Authority (SETA).
Domestic tourism
Domestic tourism is the backbone of the industry. It fosters social cohesion, cultivates nation building and inculcates a culture of travel among South Africans.
Domestic tourism has flourished impressively. The number of domestic holiday trips surged from 3.1 million in FY20/21 to 12.6 million by FY23/24, surpassing the five-year target of 10.8 million.
This substantial growth underscores the increasing importance of domestic tourism in the overall sector and its pivotal role in driving inclusive economic growth.
These achievements highlight the sector's resilience and potential, emphasising the need for continued efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure, experiences, and marketing to sustain and build upon this positive momentum.
Conclusion
We would like to emphasise that tourism is a priceless resource. It celebrates the people and places of South Africa and serves as a unifier on the African continent.
Let us continue to promote the narrative of the successful South African story.