JOHANNESBURG, July 26 (ANA) – The Chief Executive Officer of Tourism SA on Wednesday evening called on all South Africans to promote tourism to help improve the local economy.
“The #Idotourism and #Wedotourism [campaign] is a movement and call to action for all South Africans, we all have a role to play in tourism,” Ntshona said during the launch of Tourism month at Dunkeld Country Estate in Mpumalanga.
The CEO said that Tourism Month was about showcasing different provinces and that the aim was profiling and elevating the status of Tourism.
“We are in a tight economic environment, tourism is one of the sectors we believe can pull us out of this place.”
Ntshona urged South Africans from each province to find promote what was unique about their region and how it they could contribute to tourism and not replicate other provinces.
“Its about general patriotism and hospitality, how we are to guests coming because the more hospitable we are, the better it is for our economy.”
The evening was vibrant and colourful, with a program filled with local entertainment.
Earlier the MEC of Finance, Economic Development & Tourism of Mpumalanga Sikhumbuzo Kholwane said the province was focused on tourism despite the low budget that was allocated towards it.
“The role of municipalities is critical in dealing with the matters of tourism.”
He added that a working arrangement would be organised between the province’s neighbouring countries Mozambique and Swaziland to boost tourism.
Minister of Tourism Thokozile Xasa was a guest speaker at the event and said the government and the private sector had to come together to promote aspects of the country that would draw tourists and assist economic growth.
“We need to tell more good stories of our country and tourism presents that opportunity,” she said.
Xasa added South Africans needed to travel the country in order for them to appreciate it.
“By traveling the country each of us can leave a financial foot print where we visit, that’s how we leave money in these places,” the minister said.
She added that the theme for Tourism Month this year was Sustainable Tourism for Development, which was aimed at making a low impact on the environment but created employment and helped community development.
“We want to make sure that tourism is a sustainable driver of economic growth.”
She called on South Africans to ensure that the country was receptive and everyone understood the value of making tourism profitable.
“Tourism is about loving who you are and instilling the dignity of the people. We want tourism month to make us commit to supporting businesses,” Xasa said.
– African News Agency (ANA)
