Promote South African tourism, urges Committee
The Portfolio Committee on Tourism says the media has a critical role to play in attracting more tourists to the country.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to build a strong and competitive South African economy. For the sake of our country, better working relations need to be crafted with the media. The tourism industry needs to create jobs, and grow the economy,” said Mr Don Gumede, Committee Chairperson.
He added: “Bad publicity affects our country in the world tourism market. Crime stories about Table Mountain also affect tourism in Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal and the rest of the country. South Africa is competing in a very competitive international tourism market.”
Yesterday, the Committee was informed by the management of Table Mountain National Park that negative media coverage impacted negatively on the number of tourists visiting the place. Mr Gumede urged the management to provide the media with information, and not to wait until the media found negative stories.
Table Mountain National Park has decided to beef up its security by employing rangers on full-time basis, working with the community and retired rangers, ensuring regular patrols, and establishing a dog unit.
The Committee is currently on a week-long visit in the Western Cape to learn about the best practices in tourism.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Sibongile Maputi, Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 079 082 2732
Tel: 021 403 8041
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
