Tourism is a vehicle for creating jobs, destroying poverty and creating inclusive economic growth and sustainability, says Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu.
“The nation has given this Government of National Unity a clear mandate to turn South Africa into a successful tourism nation and to unite all of us - citizens, visitors and tourists alike - in the joy of discovering our country, discovering each other, and in the shared hope of equality for all,” said the Deputy Minister.
She was speaking at the tabling of the department’s Budget Vote in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Sotyu said sustainable SMMEs are key drivers of inclusive growth and poverty eradication; therefore, economic growth without transformation entrenches exclusion and transformation without growth is unsustainable
The department, together with South African Tourism, champions conditions for sustainability.
“To lower the many barriers that inhibit SMMEs’ entry into the hotel industry, for example, the department has a programme called the Tourism Grading Support Programme (TGSP) which continues to subsidise grading costs.
“In financial year 2024/25, the TGSP supported 2 970 establishments, encouraging active participation in the TGCSA’s grading system. These efforts contribute to the standardisation of service excellence, helping South Africa to remain competitive in global tourism markets.”
To sustain profits and benefit the local economy, the department will continue to support the tourism industry towards reaching the threshold of local development.
“Some big hotels do not appear in the list of graded establishments on the website of the Tourism Grading Council but still ‘sell’ themselves as 5-star hotels.
“To ensure that the grading system remains world-class and relevant to our local environment in South Africa, we have initiated the Grading Criteria Review which will be finalised this financial year.
“Grading of tourist establishments that host international events is a crucial factor in the sustainability of economic growth and job creation.
“It is for this reason the South African National Conventions Bureau (SANCB), through the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sub-sector, will focus on capitalising on previous successes to accelerate growth through the consolidation of multiple national efforts when bidding for international meetings.”
The secured conferences will also contribute to the regional spread of business events.
Given that tourism is a highly labour-intensive industry, people will rightfully expect to see significant local employment within these successfully bided international conferences.
The Deputy Minister said the biggest international conference to be held in South Africa later this year, the G20, will be a catalyst for this yearned-for job creation.
"The G20 presents an opportunity to showcase the nation’s unparalleled hospitality, world-class infrastructure, quality-assured accommodations, and experiences, as well as its ability to host global events.
"As the department, we are very committed to ensure that no one is left behind on the knowledge, importance and benefit of this G20," said Sotyu. – SAnews.gov.za
