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Growth in SA tourism streets ahead of world average
Published 09/01/2007
The growth in the number of tourists to South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa is outstripping the industry growth in the rest of the world, said Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk in the Netherlands on Tuesday. The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Vakantie Beurs, Europe’s largest exhibition dedicated to tourism and leisure.
The Minister praised the achievements of the South African tourism industry as he announced the latest tourism statistics: “The success of our marketing efforts is paying off in very concrete terms. Recently released statistics for the period from January to July 2006 show a 15.8% increase in tourism arrivals to South Africa. More than 4.6 million people visited South Africa during the period under review, outstripping the 2005 half-yearly figure by 636 610.”
The Minister remarked on the global competitiveness of South African tourism: “Our arrivals growth rates far outstrip the rest of the world, which averaged around 4.5% over a similar period. Growth in South African and indeed sub-Saharan African tourism is driving overwhelmingly positive tourism performance on the continent. Over the past two years Africa has achieved the fastest growth rates of any major region in the world - averaging in the region of 10%.”
“The highest number of arrivals - from the international portfolio - came from the United Kingdom - a consistent trend which has prevailed for several years. A massive 34.7% more visitors from The Russian Federation landed in South Africa over the first seven months of 2006, while the Scandinavian countries (Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark) all posted arrivals that exceeded 10%.”
Addressing the 2007 Vakantie Beurs theme of Community-Based Tourism, the Minister stated, “The tourism industry has been identified as one of two priority sectors in the Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGISA), aimed at increasing economic growth and dramatically reducing poverty. We cannot achieve this without involving our communities - not just in the major metropolitan areas, but also those in rural areas. ”
The Minister further elaborated: “Every year we sponsor the Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (ETEYA), aimed at providing recognition and reward to successful entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged communities. Finalists are selected from each of our nine provinces. Their attendance at World Travel Market in London is sponsored, and the overall winner of the award is announced at this prestigious international event.”
The Minister also updated the audience on recent developments in South Africa’s preparations for 2010. “In previous tournaments, only hotels were contracted to accommodate people. However, South Africa is delivering on its promise to ensure that visitors to the 2010 World Cup will be treated to a uniquely African experience. For the first time in World Cup history, non-hotel accommodation such as national park accommodation, lodges, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts will also be contracted.
"All participating establishments will have to obtain a grading rating from the Tourism Grading Council. Small and medium sized enterprises from around the country will be able to apply to our Tourism Enterprise Programme for assistance that will partially cover the grading costs. This will help us to achieve the dual objectives of spreading tourism benefits beyond cities where matches are taking place, and of providing spectators with an even wider range of accommodation options.”
Published 09/01/2007
The growth in the number of tourists to South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa is outstripping the industry growth in the rest of the world, said Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk in the Netherlands on Tuesday. The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Vakantie Beurs, Europe’s largest exhibition dedicated to tourism and leisure.
The Minister praised the achievements of the South African tourism industry as he announced the latest tourism statistics: “The success of our marketing efforts is paying off in very concrete terms. Recently released statistics for the period from January to July 2006 show a 15.8% increase in tourism arrivals to South Africa. More than 4.6 million people visited South Africa during the period under review, outstripping the 2005 half-yearly figure by 636 610.”
The Minister remarked on the global competitiveness of South African tourism: “Our arrivals growth rates far outstrip the rest of the world, which averaged around 4.5% over a similar period. Growth in South African and indeed sub-Saharan African tourism is driving overwhelmingly positive tourism performance on the continent. Over the past two years Africa has achieved the fastest growth rates of any major region in the world - averaging in the region of 10%.”
“The highest number of arrivals - from the international portfolio - came from the United Kingdom - a consistent trend which has prevailed for several years. A massive 34.7% more visitors from The Russian Federation landed in South Africa over the first seven months of 2006, while the Scandinavian countries (Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark) all posted arrivals that exceeded 10%.”
Addressing the 2007 Vakantie Beurs theme of Community-Based Tourism, the Minister stated, “The tourism industry has been identified as one of two priority sectors in the Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGISA), aimed at increasing economic growth and dramatically reducing poverty. We cannot achieve this without involving our communities - not just in the major metropolitan areas, but also those in rural areas. ”
The Minister further elaborated: “Every year we sponsor the Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (ETEYA), aimed at providing recognition and reward to successful entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged communities. Finalists are selected from each of our nine provinces. Their attendance at World Travel Market in London is sponsored, and the overall winner of the award is announced at this prestigious international event.”
The Minister also updated the audience on recent developments in South Africa’s preparations for 2010. “In previous tournaments, only hotels were contracted to accommodate people. However, South Africa is delivering on its promise to ensure that visitors to the 2010 World Cup will be treated to a uniquely African experience. For the first time in World Cup history, non-hotel accommodation such as national park accommodation, lodges, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts will also be contracted.
"All participating establishments will have to obtain a grading rating from the Tourism Grading Council. Small and medium sized enterprises from around the country will be able to apply to our Tourism Enterprise Programme for assistance that will partially cover the grading costs. This will help us to achieve the dual objectives of spreading tourism benefits beyond cities where matches are taking place, and of providing spectators with an even wider range of accommodation options.”