By Adele Mackenzie and Christiaan Schultz
Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, led a delegation to the North West province today (August 1) to officially launch Tourism Month – which aims to create awareness and promote domestic tourism and cultivate a culture of travel among South Africans.
South Africa commemorates Tourism Month to coincide with World Tourism Day on September 27. The month-long celebrations are an opportunity to showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings and foster a sense of national pride and appreciation for the beauty and richness of South Africa.
The global theme, as set by the UNWTO for this year, is ‘Tourism and Green Investments’.
De Lille said this theme emphasised the significant role of tourism in fostering inclusive economic growth and development. “By generating employment opportunities, stimulating local economies, and promoting social inclusion, tourism becomes a powerful catalyst for positive change.
“Domestic tourism is the bedrock of our industry. It serves as the heartbeat that sustains our hospitality sector supporting local businesses, and generating employment opportunities for our people,” said De Lille.
Acting CEO of South African Tourism, Nomasonto Ndlovu, agreed. “Tourism Month is very significant for us as a sector because this is a time when we get to remind the country about the true value and impact of domestic tourism and inspire South Africans to explore their own Mzansi.”
She added that it was “heart warming” that domestic tourism had recovered, and “done very well” against 2019 figures.
Domestic tourism has seen a remarkable resurgence, with a 30.8% increase in domestic overnight trips during the first four months of 2023, compared with 2022. Although the average length of stay has decreased by 7.1% to 2.6 nights, domestic tourists are taking more frequent trips.
“Exploring the wonders of our country builds bridges between cultures and strengthens the fabric of our nation. Let us embrace the spirit of adventure and explore the richness of our land,” said De Lille.
“Let us be stewards of our natural treasures and ambassadors for our nation’s warmth and hospitality. Investing in a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry creates a legacy of prosperity and environmental stewardship for future generations,” she said.
Sustainability and investment
In line with the global theme for World Tourism Day, the national launch of Tourism Month took place at the Thaba Legae Guest Lodge in Rustenburg, which is one of the beneficiaries of the Department of Tourism’s Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) and is owned by Millicent Shai, a Women in Tourism member.
“What truly warms my heart is the lodge’s achievement of full sustainability, thanks to Millicent’s unwavering determination and our government’s invaluable support,” said De Lille.
Thaba Legae Lodge’s solar PV installation was co-funded by the Department of Tourism to help the establishment operate despite energy constraints and offer an uninterrupted visitor experience.
The Minister noted that a focus on sustainability was paramount. “This is critical for us to build a genuinely resilient tourism sector. We must direct investments towards green technologies and adopt sustainable practices to foster an economically flourishing tourism industry that actively contributes to environmental sustainability.
“Let us be stewards of our natural treasures and ambassadors for our nation’s warmth and hospitality. Investing in a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry creates a legacy of prosperity and environmental stewardship for future generations,” said De Lille.
