Introduction
Chairperson,
In recognition of the goals set by President Zuma in terms of poverty eradication, sustainable job creation and rural development, our department stands firm in our resolve to join hands with our business and civil society partners to ensure that we take the tourism industry from strength to strength.
In 2008, tourism contributed more than 1 million jobs and an estimated
R195 billion to the South African economy. The importance of the tourism sector to our economic growth and its job creation potential cannot be underestimated.
Business assistance and empowerment
An integral part of economic growth and job creation is to provide the right opportunities and assistance to small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMMEs) and our department has implemented a number of very successful initiatives in this regard.
The Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) encourages an entrepreneurial spirit and a responsible tourism focus through amongst others supporting unique arts and crafts experiences including artists, performers, tour guides, cuisine and cultural and heritage products.
Our continuous campaign to improve quality and standards in the tourism industry is in line with our commitment as government to utilise state levers such as licensing and support to assist SMMES and promote the implementation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment targets.
In this regard, the Tourism Grading Council has stepped up its assistance to SMME accommodation establishments to be graded and a total of 8 544 establishments had been graded by February as official accommodation for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.
Local and rural development and community interaction
Chairperson, we all understand the potential of the tourism industry in contributing to local and rural development. As part of the Expanded Public Works Programme, our Community Work Programme will be fast-tracked. This injection of resources is geared towards assisting us in our renewed efforts to create job opportunities.
In line with the country's comprehensive rural development strategy, the department will also continue to prioritise the development of community and rural tourism to ensure that tourism benefits are equitably distributed.
Tourism Development
In order to kick-start rural tourism, we have to unlock tourism potential at the local sphere of government and the role of local government is acknowledged through our Annual Local Government Indaba on Tourism. At this year's Indaba, we launched the Tourism Planning Toolkit for Local Government and presented the National Tourism Growth Strategy to stakeholders.
Further consultation with provinces and municipalities was undertaken to secure support for the implementation of the Toolkit. Capacity building for tourism planning at local government level, targeted at municipalities that have a high potential for tourism growth, will also be prioritised.
Working together to strengthen our skills and human resource base
The department will continue to contribute to the drive to strengthen our country's skills and human resource base. The Tourism Service Excellence Strategy was launched at the annual National Tourism Conference in November 2008, and an implementation plan is being finalised. The strategy focuses on the upskilling of those involved in service delivery and appropriate training programmes.
In preparation for 2010, 4030 tourism ambassadors and volunteers are being trained as part of the "Know your country, know your city" project and an additional 1000 tourism ambassadors will be trained in amongst others service excellence.
We also successfully hosted the first ever annual Tourism Careers Expo in October 2007. More than 17 000 learners, educators, tourism graduates and tourism subject advisors attended and we look forward to the next Expo to be held later this year.
Conclusion
Chairperson, in the coming year, we will amongst others focus our attention on ensuring that skills development initiatives are aligned to the needs of the industry. We will furthermore continue to promote interventions to deal with geographic spread, local and rural development and job creation.
To our friends in the tourism sector and all stakeholders, I say: Thank you for your hard work and support so far. Our department is ready to work with you to realise the full potential of this industry in building a better life for all.
I thank you.
Enquiries: Ronel Bester
Cell: 083 242 7763
Tel: 021 465 7240
E-mail: rbester@deat.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Tourism
18 June 2009
