Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu has emphasised the importance of the tourism sector as a key driver of the country’s economy.
THE NORTHERN Cape will be in the spotlight this year as South Africa marks World Tourism Day, showcasing the Province’s diverse attractions.
Set for September 27, the event, themed “Tourism and Peace – 30 Years of Connecting People to Places and Cultures,” will celebrate South Africa’s rich cultural and historical heritage, which continues to foster peace and enhance the country’s reputation as a premier holiday destination.
Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu emphasised the importance of the tourism sector as a key driver of South Africa’s economy during the recent Tourism Women’s Stakeholder Engagement. She highlighted the Department of Tourism’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, noting that through its programmes, the department seeks to create opportunities for youth, women and people with disabilities to pursue careers in tourism, including entrepreneurship.
“The world’s fastest-growing employment sector, tourism, continues to adapt to new trends, and South Africa is building the sector to ensure its sustainability for future generations. To drive sustained and inclusive growth of the tourism sector, we need to boost the talent pool. A demand-led skill supply in the sector is therefore pivotal,” said Sotyu.
Over the years, tourism has undergone diversification and steady growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing economic sectors in South Africa. Programmes by the department, such as the Wine Service Training Programme, Chefs Training Programme, Food Safety Quality Assurers Programme, and Tourism Monitors Programme, aim to equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the industry. These initiatives provide economic relief through stipends, work placements, and accreditation ranging from National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels 2 to 4.
Sotyu reiterated the department’s commitment to working with social partners to identify and build essential skills in the sector. She also highlighted the Tourism Incentive Market Access Support Programme, which offers financial assistance to small tourism enterprises to exhibit on international platforms, thereby boosting their market presence.
Tourism Month, celebrated annually in September, provides a heightened month-long focus on the importance of the sector to South Africa’s economy. It encourages domestic travel, which is critical for sustaining jobs and supporting the recovery of the industry in line with the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan.
“Tourism is a significant pillar of our economy and presents us with the best chance of increasing social inclusion by making heritage and tourism work for social, spatial, and economic growth. But tourism is so much more than generating revenue; it generates goodwill. Tourism is about the people of South Africa – united in diversity,” said Sotyu.
South Africa recently added human rights and liberation struggle sites to Unesco’s prestigious list of World Heritage Sites, further enhancing the country’s appeal as a tourist destination and supporting its heritage tourism sector.
