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26 January 2009

"The importance of the role of local government in the successful growth of the tourism industry cannot be overemphasised and the examples of its pivotal role are many." These were Marthinus van Schalkwyk's, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, words when he launched the first version of the tourism toolkit at the first Local Government Tourism Indaba in Cape Town today.

He went on to say that local government is an engine room that drives the planning and management of South Africa's natural and cultural assets.

The Local Government Indaba on Tourism is hosted by the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) from 26 to 27 January 2009 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The intention of the tourism toolkit is to clarify how to complete a basic tourism plan within a South African local municipality. The toolkit also makes an important contribution towards advancing competence in tourism planning at a local level and the setting of minimum standard for such plans.

The toolkit is a practical document which amongst others helps ensure the appropriate investment in infrastructure and services for tourism; assists with the development of community tourism plans and provides case studies as examples of good practice.

The two day indaba sees delegates from across the tourism sector converging under the theme, "Unlocking tourism potential at a local sphere of government."

The minister highlighted that local government also provides the core utilities and infrastructure on which the tourism industry is based. "It furthermore manages attractions such as sports stadia, convention centres, parks, events and other amenities. Local government also enables local tourism management through the provision of visitor information and through being the primary source of funding for regional and local tourism organisations," he said.

Van Schalkwyk said that there were a number of challenges that are hampering an integrated and co-ordinated approach. This includes that most local authority staff do not have a collective approach to planning for tourism or destination management. In some cases local government does not use national and provincial information for tourism planning.

This conference aims to recognise and empower local government in terms of tourism management as well as ensure ongoing co-operation between the various spheres of government.

"Our department remains committed to working with local government to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared as widely as possible. The departments' commitment to working with local government is illustrated amongst others by the fact that since 1999, we have been financially involved in 335 tourism projects in the nine provinces, aimed at enhancing tourism and improving infrastructure at a local level," said the minister.

To date, more than R1 billion has been spent on these projects and these initiatives have contributed to the creation of 1 480 permanent jobs and more than four million temporary work days. Van Schalkwyk encouraged local authorities to continue to work with the department to ensure that these projects are completed successfully. This will further contribute to job creation and the transfer of skills where it is most needed.

During his address, Mr Garth Strachan, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Western Cape said that this province is South Africa's most developed tourism region and the sector continues to grow. Tourism has a 10 percent share of employment and new jobs are being created in this sector.

He added that the annual development indicators report of 2008 states the strong growth over the last decade has had a significant impact on employment creation but the sector still needs further transformation so that the benefits of growth are more equitably shared.

Van Schalkwyk assured delegates that with the effects of the international economic crisis the department is still confident that with today marking 500 days left before kick the off for the world cup, the target of 10 million visitors in 2010 will be reached.

He concluded by saying; "Our country continues to be a value-for-money destination and with international events like the Confederations Cup and World Cup line up, there will be opportunities in abundance and tourism will retain the important role it plays in our economic growth."

For further information, opening speech and the toolkit visit http://www.deat.gov.za under Hot issues.

Media queries:
Judith van der Merwe
Cell: 083 321 2617 (DEAT)

Roopa Singh
Cell: 082 225 3076 (DEAT)

Tumi Lesolang
Cell: 082 387 4821 (EMS)

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
26 January 2009
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.deat.gov.za)