The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille launched Tourism Month on 20 August in the beautiful Northern Cape Province with the media and senior government officials and other stakeholders present.The launch focused on Astro Tourism.
Although the Northern Cape isThe launch focused on Astro Tourism less visited than provinces such as Gauteng and the Western Cape, it is truly a gem within South African (SA) borders, offering diverse experiences that cater to all tastes and interests. With breath-taking landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, it provides unparalleled experiences for adventure and cultural immersion.
From the iconic Kalahari Desert’s rugged terrains to the vibrant Namaqualand wildflower displays, this province embodies the essence of natural beauty.
Astro Tourism
According to Min De Lille, Very the Northern Cape is leading SA in leveraging the significant advances made in the development of the world’s largest space telescope array, with a comprehensive astro-tourism strategy.
Outside the small town of Carnarvon, the MeerKAT of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), a global mega-infrastructure project is underway, endeavouring to build the most powerful radio telescope in the world that would put SA on the map as astro destination.
The official World Tourism Day celebration will be held in the Northern Cape on the 27th September 2024.
During the launch, Min De Lille highlighted this area to invite not only South African, but the global tourism community to engage with living cultures and traditions which continue to thrive in the Province. The ultimate aim is to use Square Kilometre Array (SKA), largest radio telescope in the world and Astro Tourism as catalysts to develop the Karoo and provide opportunities for rural tourism, as well as agri-tourism to develop rural areas.
To realise this, the Department of Tourism is finalising the National Astro-Tourism Strategy to present to Cabinet.
SA first African Country to Embrace Astro Tourism
This provides us with a mutual understanding between astronomy’s significance and the indigenous celestial narratives, enhancing the synergy between humans and conservation and provides a creative link between our origins of life on earth and the origins of the universe. While 50% of the global population cannot see the beauty of the night sky, the African sky has the advantage of having the clearest and darkest night sky.
This strategy of the Department of Tourism is to position SA as a world-class Astro Tourism destination, focusing on infrastructure development, optimal functioning of astronomy-tourism streams and community transformation.
This will yield sustainable benefit-sharing opportunities by maximising marketing efforts and enhancing visitor experience in SA.
Other favourable aspects of SA are the lack of light pollution, favourable weather conditions, the Southern sky advantage and four of the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact craters on SA soil.
The country also boasts two of the globe’s most significant astronomy initiatives, the SKA and SALT (the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere).
The National Astro-Tourism strategic pillars are developed through a multi-discipline consultancy process involving both the tourism and astronomy stakeholders in the country.
The Implementation Plan to grow astro-tourism in SA will be implemented, monitored and evaluated according to three strategic pillars; Indigenous Celestial Narratives and Human Capacity Development, Infrastructure Development and Inclusive Tourism Growth and Partnerships.
SA Tourism a Major Contributor to GDP
To understand how vital this section is for the economic growth of the country is shown in its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 8.8% in the first quarter of this year.
This is more than transport, mining, and agriculture, and nearly matching the government’s contribution to GDP. This contribution is forecast to grow to 10.4% by 2030.
7th Administration and GNU Priorities
Min De Lille said the Tourism Dept’s mission is to elevate its profile by supporting efforts to grow the sector, demonstrating the sector’s impact on the economy and communities.
Cabinet has defined the three priority areas for government for the next 5 years.
The Cabinet will develop a Medium-Term Development Plan, translating these priorities into a detailed plan and interventions government will implement over the next five years.
The Government of National Unity (GNU) will dedicate the next five years to will advance three strategic priorities; drive inclusive growth and job creation, reduce poverty and address the high cost of living and finally, to build a capable, ethical and developmental state. Inclusive economic growth is at the centre GNU’s work and top of the national agenda.
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The 5-year plan will align to the GNU priorities, the National Development Plan, the Tourism Sector Master Plan and the National Tourism Sector Strategy which would amount to increase arrivals to 15million by 2030 as per the NDP. This would include increasing the number of jobs created in the tourism sector by driving greater implementation of programmes supporting the private sector to follow suit.
The Tourism Dept will also work with Operation Vulindlela in the Presidency and Departments of Home Affairs, Transport and Sport, Arts and Culture to facilitate improvements in the visa area, grow the number of direct flights to and from SA, implement a more seamless tour operator license process and invest in infrastructure and tourism sites reflecting and showcasing the country’s diverse culture and heritage for visitors to enjoy, Also, this plan will implement programmes for demand-led skills and greater use of technology such as AI.
World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day, celebrated globally on 27 September, is an initiative of the United Nations Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) which underscores tourism’s pivotal role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. In SA, this will be a month-long celebration with September as official Tourism Month.
The UN Tourism’s theme for this year’s celebrations is “Tourism and Peace”. In SA, we have decided to expand the theme to “Tourism and Peace – 30 years of connecting people, places and culture” as over the past three decades, the country has intensified its efforts in identifying and ensuring tourism is one of the priority sectors contributing to the economy and to job creation. The Tourism Dept acknowledges and recognises that in a world where nations are increasingly interconnected, tourism is a powerful tool to break down barriers, defy stereotypes and challenge prejudices.
This year’s Tourism Month celebrations provide the perfect opportunity to celebrate tourism’s huge contribution to global development, cultural exchange, people connection and exploration of the many vast places in SA.
Domestic Tourism
In 2023, SA recorded an impressive 38 million domestic trips, contributing R121billion in to the economy, highlighting the critical role domestic travellers play in sustaining the tourism industry. Min De Lille once again highlighted her belief that domestic tourism is the bedrock of the sector and reiterated their commitment to working closely with all our partners in the tourism value chain to make travel more affordable and accessible for all South Africans.
One of the most successful initiatives promoting domestic tourism is the Dept’s Sho’t Left Travel Week Campaign, which through offering discounted deals of up to 50%, encourages locals to access travel and discover the many wonders within our borders. This year, the Sho’t Left Travel Week, will be taking place from the 2nd to the 8th of September, allowing South Africans to book discounted travel deals to use when it suits them depending on terms and conditions.
Last year, more than 900 tourism establishments participated, offering a range of deals making travel more accessible. This year, the aim is to surpass those numbers. The Minister encouraged tourism businesses to sign up for their deals on the Sho’t Left deals platform and urged all to work together to ensure that more South Africans experience our country’s diverse and fantastic tourism offerings.
Jobs
With SA’s unemployment rate at 33.5%, Min De Lille said it was vital that the tourism sector does more to respond to this need. Employment in the tourism sector is projected to grow from 1.7 million jobs in 2024 to 2.2 million by 2030, with these jobs expected to make up 12.8% of total employment by 2030 in SA.
This once again highlights the sector’s critical role in driving economic growth and providing employment opportunities, particularly in the post-pandemic recovery phase with job creation a cornerstone of our GNU’s agenda. “We are committed to enhancing the implementation of programmes empowering the private sector to generate more sustainable jobs as there’s a clear correlation between tourism growth and increase in job creation, driving economic prosperity and sustaining our heritage,” she said.
Tourism is well-positioned to provide opportunities to unemployed youth and women, whether skilled or semi-skilled, more rapidly than industries such as agriculture and mining, with high entry barriers and requiring billions in initial investment.
As we roll out our 2024 Tourism Month campaign under the theme; “Tourism and Peace-30 years of connecting people, places and culture”, let us showcase our many communities’ unique traditions, languages and heritage. Let us celebrate the unity emerging from our diversity.” – Min Patricia De Lille
Tourism is more than just attracting visitors to our shores; it is about inviting locals and international guests to engage deeply with the stories and experiences defining the SA nation. The sector is optimistic for the future with the revival of major conferences and events and the tireless efforts of tourism professionals across the globe signifying gradual global growth in tourism.
Domestic Challenges
Various domestic challenges have impacted local tourism; the high cost of living driven by soaring fuel prices and persistent inflation remain a significant barrier. High interest rates have increased household financial pressures and the Consumer Price Index continues to exceed the Reserve Bank’s comfort level, although tapering of late.
These factors create a difficult environment for SA to explore their own country, posing a challenge to the growth of domestic tourism. The Tourism Dept is addressing these, working closely with its partners to find solutions and create an enabling environment for domestic and international tourism.
Ensuring the safety of our tourists is of paramount importance and implementing the 2018 National Tourism Safety Strategy. Through collaboration with the private sector, safety measures across the board have been strengthened, enhancing the protection and well-being of both local and international tourists.
With the Tourism Master Plan in place, the focus now is on its effective implementation. Policy continuity remains the cornerstone of this seventh administration and this comprehensive blueprint is poised to guide the tourism sector’s sustainable growth and competitiveness.
One such initiative is the R1.2billion Tourism Equity Fund, designed to facilitate greater inclusivity within the sector by supporting black-owned businesses and small to medium enterprises. This Fund is instrumental in driving sector transformation and ensuring the benefits of tourism are more equitably distributed across our society.
By providing crucial funding opportunities, underrepresented entrepreneurs are empowered to meaningfully participate in the tourism economy, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic sector. Red tape associated with the Fund is being reviewed.
Infrastructure maintenance efforts, crucial for revamping and preserving our nation’s heritage sites, are enhanced. By investing in their upkeep and enhancement, it is ensured these landmarks continue to captivate and educate future generations while stimulating local economies.
“With the launch of 2024’s Tourism Month, the progress we have made as a nation is celebrated while reminding us of the work still ahead. It also presents an opportunity to re-dedicate and renew our commitment to increase the sector’s contribution to the global economy while promoting peaceful interactions. Let us all support domestic tourism by exploring our backyard and becoming true ambassadors of our beautiful land, cultivating a sense of pride and ownership in our collective cultural and natural heritage and be better poised to receive world travellers,” Min De Lille concluded.
All South Africans are invited, to not only explore the lesser visited provinces themselves, but to invite the world to come to the often-overlooked gems of our nation such as here in the Northern Cape. Add to that our award-winning restaurants, authentic and varied culinary offerings, a colourful rich tapestry of arts and culture which can be found in all our nine provinces. – Min Pat De Lille
