By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille announced that international visitors contributed R95 billion to the economy, while domestic tourism brought in R121 billion.
It has been just over 100 days since the Government of National Unity (GNU) took office, and various departments are now sharing their progress.
De Lille’s Good party is one of 11 parties in the GNU. During the previous administration, She was the only opposition member in the executive.
The Good party has only one seat in the National Assembly after receiving 65,814 (0.18%) of the valid votes cast in the 29 May general election.
De Lille was speaking at a media briefing at Parliament on Thursday to reflect on progress made during her 100 days in office under the 7th administration.
De Lille says the tourism sector has continued to grow significantly, over 5.8 million international arrivals between January and August this year, up by more than 385 000 or 7, 0% compared to the same period in 2023.
“Of the more than 5.8 million arrivals between January and August this year, 4.4 million were from the rest of the African continent, up by more than 326 800 or 7, 9% compared to the same period in 2023.”
“Overall for the full calendar year of 2023, more than 8.4million arrivals up by 2.7million or 48.9%.”
De Lille said, the department is working tirelessly to strengthen marketing initiatives to further develop and grow the tourism industry.
New Horizons and Strategic Initiatives
In a bold move, the Department of Tourism recently gazetted the White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism, offering a clear roadmap for future tourism development.
This policy emphasizes sustainability, competitiveness, and inclusiveness, leveraging digital technology and fostering partnerships that address the country’s social imperatives. The aim is to make a meaningful contribution to the broader economy, employment, and entrepreneurship, ensuring resilience in the tourism sector.
Astro-tourism emerges as an exciting niche market, with South Africa capitalizing on its unique astronomical advantages. The draft National Astro-Tourism Strategy, developed in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation, positions South Africa as a premier astro-tourism destination. By focusing on infrastructure development and community transformation, astro-tourism is set to drive economic growth in rural areas like the Karoo.
Financial audits
De Lille said the Department of Tourism received a clean audit for the financial year 2023/24.
“SA Tourism received a qualified audit. The entity has faced serious governance difficulties but we are working on the remedial actions as recommended by the Auditor General to get SA Tourism to an unqualified audit, she said.”
VISAS
She said, cabinet established an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) comprising Home Affairs, Tourism and the State Security Agency and Operation Vulindlela in the Presidency to finalise improvements to the visa regime for key source markets, India and China.
“These markets are prioritised as they have been assessed as having the greatest potential to grow numbers.”
“Following collaboration between various Ministers and Departments, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) was adopted.
“The TTOS is a critical step to reform the visa system that will enable economic growth.
“The innovative new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) is about to be finalised and an announcement will be made soon, she added.”
De Lille further welcomed, the directive issued by Home Affairs this week to all South African missions abroad regarding standardised submission of visa entry requirements
SEFA
De Lille said, she’s on the verge of cancelling a service agreement level with the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA).
According to De Lille, SEFA doesn’t understand the urgency needed to release funds to small businesses.
The agency operates through the Department of Small Enterprise, under the guidance of Minister Stella Ndabeni.
The Minister said SMMes in the tourism sector have been experiencing delays with receiving funds.
De Lille said her department approved over R50 million in April for small businesses.
“There’s such a great need out there, and it’s important that we fund and help businesses to grow. So I had a discussion with the Minister of Finance to say to him I want to close, where do I move the funding to so it can be disbursed as soon as possible, and I will be making an announcement soon on this,” De Lille said.