launch of Tourism Month at PM hotel
1 September 2006
Programme Director
MEC for Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism, Honourable Mr Mbulelo
Sogoni
Members of the Executive Council
Members of the District Council
Honoured guests
Ladies and gentlemen
The Eastern Cape government views the issue of tourism as one of the
critical growth points for our economy. You will know that in our Provincial
Growth and Development Plan it is spelt out clearly as one of very important
objectives that, once fully explored and exploited, will increase our economic
growth and maintain at 6%.
The Tourism Month is celebrated annually during the month of September. It
marks the World Tourism Day, which is on 27 September of each year. World
Tourism Day is designed to foster awareness among international community of
the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic
values. This yearâs theme is âTourism enrichesâ.
During this month we have activities to showcase the unique and diverse
tourism experiences in our province. The Department of Economic Affairs,
Environment and tourism working together with the Eastern Cape Tourism Board
are encouraging local tourism organisation and the municipalities to be
creative in informing the locals of the tourism destination on the residence
doorsteps and within close proximity.
This provides us with a valuable platform from which to educate, market and
to expand the tourism experience for local residents. I am aware that the
Buffalo City has once again provided local tours for its residence in the form
of bussed city or attraction tours. These have proved to be very useful in
selling tourism to the local residents. It is important also to note that
tourism has been identified as one of the key sectors to contribute to the
Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa.
In partnership with South African Tourism the Eastern Cape Tourism Board has
supported the Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and the Schools Tourism
Competition. The provincial winners in both categories will be announced on
Tourism Day in Mpumalanga. The provincial winner of the Schools Competition was
Grens High School in East London.
However, it is vitally important that activities for this month do not leave
out our rural communities. It is important that we synergise our efforts and
lift those who have skills but are voiceless because they cannot access funds
to manufacture in bulk or to transport their artefacts for tourists to see it.
We must prepare ourselves for hosting the 2010 FIFA World cup in Nelson
Mandela. All Government departments and tourism stakeholders must partner have
a seamless approach. As a government we have take advantage of the
opportunities that come with hosting the World Cup. These include:
* market our Eastern Cape province all over the world
* tourism economic boost, long term impact on tourism, sports and
investment
* improve infrastructure viz. communication, transport and leisure
facilities.
We should maintain a good working relationship with the media to gain
positive publicity. Tourism enriches, let us deliver our promise for the
benefit of all.
I thank you for giving me your ear
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
1 September 2006
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecprov.gov.za)
