Recently sworn in President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, highlighted the importance of tourism and its potential for growth in his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Friday (Feb 16).
Growing the tourism sector forms part of the President’s ten-point plan to revive the country’s economy.
He believes that tourism can provide the country with “incredible opportunities”, as the sector currently sustains 700 000 direct jobs and is performing better than most growth sectors.
“This year, we will enhance support for destination marketing in key tourism markets and take further measures to reduce regulatory barriers and develop emerging tourism businesses,” said Ramaphosa.
South African Tourism (SAT) CEO, Sisa Ntshona, commented: “We’re very excited that tourism is being placed front and centre in the national conversations and we’re especially excited that Ramaphosa highlighted this very fact at SONA 2018.”
Vivian McCarthy, Director at Acacia Africa, believes Ramaphosa will strengthen the tourism industry, and will invest more into the sector, increasing tourist arrivals.
Talking about the rand and current political instability during SONA, the President said: “Commodity prices have improved, the stock market has risen, the rand has strengthened and there are early indications that investor confidence is on the rise…We have taken decisive measures to address concerns about political instability and are committed to ensure policy certainty and consistency.”
South Africa is home to some world-renowned parks and reserves, commented McCarthy: “Saying this, South Africa must remember that the travelling public have a choice of where to spend their hard-earned pounds, and so it is imperative that SA’s pricing remains competitive.”
“Under the leadership of Ramaphosa, the country should grow, and this will offset the past, making people want to visit our shores. SA has so much to offer and the change in this long-awaited leadership must prove the beauty and respect we truly have in our country, its people and, in my case, our tourism offering,” said Collin Thaver, Managing Director of Southern Africa 360.
The President called on South Africans to open their homes and their hearts to the world.
“There is a greater sense of optimism among our people. Our people are hopeful about the future,” said the President.
Other points included small business development, the investment conference and infrastructure investment, focusing on the improvement and implementation of new projects for water infrastructure, road maintenance and health facilities.
