Deputy Minister of Tourism Fish Mahlalela, along with the North West MEC for Economic Development Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Galebekwe Virginia Tlhapi will join the global community to celebrate World Tourism Day with festivities in the North West Province today (on Wednesday). Tourism Month aims to create awareness and promote domestic tourism to cultivate a culture of travel among South Africans.
It is also 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. Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, highlighted the importance of domestic tourism to South Africa's tourism sector themed, "Tourism invests in a green future," the celebration will highlight the initiatives that are poised to drive tourism recovery, whilst advocating for sector collaboration on programmes that create decent employment, inclusive economic growth, vibrant and sustainable local communities.
During the Tourism Media Launch on August 1st at Thaba Legae Lodge Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said, "Domestic Tourism is the bedrock of the industry. It serves as the heartbeat that sustains the hospitality sector to support local businesses, and generating employment opportunities for our people.
When choosing to explore our land, people not only discover the breathtaking landscapes and connect through the vibrant cultures that define the tourists but also contribute significantly to the nation's economic prosperity.
The impact of domestic tourism on the economy cannot be underestimated. As South Africans, each journey people embark upon within the country's borders has a ripple effect on various industries. It sustains hotels, lodges, restaurants, and countless small businesses that rely on our patronage.
World Tourism Day is a United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) initiative observed annually on September 27 to highlight the sector's contribution to socio–economic development of nations and the advancement of the global sustainable development goals (SDGs).
South Africa celebrates World Tourism Day as it steadfastly navigates a path to economic recovery, reignites its domestic travel market, and safely welcome visitors to the country. After the country was ravaged by Covid-19, it took a while for the tourism industry to recover. And even now, it is on the way to recovery. By: Nombulelo Konco
