The short-left tourism campaign has the power to assist provinces and municipalities in developing local products, creating local jobs and the potential to contribute to economic growth, North West Premier Thandi Modise has said ahead of the World Tourism Day Celebration Pre-event Gala Dinner she is hosting at the Protea Hotel in Klerksdorp this evening.
Premier Modise said that the provincial government will continue to support local tourism as it is very important for creating jobs and fighting unemployment. “Tourism plays a very important part in our economy and that if government could increase its support for small businesses in the sector, many jobs could be created,” added Premier Modise.
Tourism Month was launched under the theme: “Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future” on the 28 August 2013 by Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk who will also co-officiate with Premier Modise at the Gala Dinner.
In support of the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation, World Tourism Day (WTD) 2013 is being held under the theme “Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future”. The event seeks to address one of the global challenges outlined in the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); ensuring environmental sustainability.
In addition to the fun aspect of water, the activities scheduled for the national event at which Minister Van Schalkwyk and Premier Modise will co-officiate at Water Paradise in Klerksdorp on Friday will also highlight the tourism sector’s responsibility the to the wider sustainability objectives.
The tourism sector uses a significant amount of water. The events for the day will encourage all South Africans and tourism stakeholders to play a role in contributing to responsible water use through the implementation of responsible tourism practices and fostering water conservation.
Members of the media are invited to cover the Gala Dinner scheduled to commence as from 18h30 for 19h00 at Protea Hotel situated between Barend & Margaretha Prinsloo Street in Klerksdorp.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele (Spokesperson)
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
