options
9 January 2007
"Visitors to the 2010 World Cup will be spoilt for choice in terms of
accommodation options," said Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism in Utrecht, Netherlands on Tuesday. The Minister was
delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Vakantie Beurs, Europe's
largest exhibition dedicated to tourism and leisure. The Minister's high
profile presence at this event forms part of the rollout of SA Tourism's
international tourism marketing strategy.
The Minister praised the achievements of the local industry as he announced
the latest tourism statistics: "The success of our marketing efforts is paying
off in very concrete terms. Recently released statistics for the period from
January to July 2006 show a 15,8% increase in tourism arrivals to South Africa.
More than 4,6 million people visited South Africa during the period under
review, outstripping the 2005 half-yearly figure by 636 610. The period under
review also witnessed a 3,3% increase in arrivals from Europe, with the
Netherlands showing a reasonable growth of 5,8%."
"The highest number of arrivals - from the international portfolio - came
from the United Kingdom - a consistent trend which has prevailed for several
years. A massive 34,7% more visitors from The Russian Federation landed in
South Africa over the first seven months of 2006, while the Scandinavian
countries (Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark) all posted arrivals that
exceeded 10%."
The Minister also remarked on the global competitiveness of South African
tourism: "Our arrivals growth rates far outstrip the rest of the world, which
averaged around 4,5% over a similar period. Growth in South African and indeed
sub-Saharan African tourism is driving overwhelmingly positive tourism
performance on the continent. Over the past two years Africa has achieved the
fastest growth rates of any major region in the world * averaging in the region
of 10%."
Addressing the 2007 Vakantie Beurs theme of Community Based Tourism, the
Minister stated, "The tourism industry has been identified as one of two
priority sectors in the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South
Africa (AsgiSA), aimed at increasing economic growth and dramatically reducing
poverty. We cannot achieve this without involving our communities * not just in
the major metropolitan areas, but also those in rural areas."
The Minister further elaborated: "Every year we sponsor the Emerging Tourism
Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (ETEYA), aimed at providing recognition and
reward to successful entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged communities.
Finalists are selected from each of our nine provinces. Their attendance at
World Travel Market in London is sponsored, and the overall winner of the award
is announced at this prestigious international event."
The Minister also updated the audience on recent developments in our
preparations for 2010. "In previous tournaments, only hotels were contracted to
accommodate people. However, South Africa is delivering on its promise to
ensure that visitors to the 2010 World Cup will be treated to a uniquely
African experience. For the first time in World Cup history, non-hotel
accommodation such as national park accommodation, lodges, guesthouses, and bed
and breakfasts will also be contracted. All participating establishments will
have to obtain a grading rating from the Tourism Grading Council. Small and
medium sized enterprises from around the country will be able to apply to our
Tourism Enterprise Programme for assistance that will partially cover the
grading costs. This will help us to achieve the dual objectives of spreading
tourism benefits beyond cities where matches are taking place, and of providing
spectators with an even wider range of accommodation options."
Media Enquiries:
Riaan Aucamp
Cell: 083 708 9600
Ntsiki Mpulo
SA Tourism
Cell: 082 782 7143
E-mail: ntsiki@southafrica.net
Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
9 January 2007
