Tourism pouring billions into SA
TOURISTS spent R39.3-billion in South Africa in the first few months of this year, highlighting the strategic importance of the sector.
The figure was revealed by Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, who chaired the International Co-operation, Trade and Security Cluster briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday.
The quarterly progress report provided an update on the programme of action towards achieving the goals of the National Development Plan.
“The realisation of this kind of revenue sustains the local tourism economy. It also indicates that our country remains a popular destination for tourists inside South Africa, the region and globally,” she said.
South Africa had enhanced its visibility in international and national trade, tourism platforms and investment promotion, she said.
Department of Tourism spokesman Trevor Bloem said South Africa generated significant revenue from tourists because of its relatively competitive currency.
“South Africa is also a valuefor-money destination even when the rand is strong,” Bloem said.
Tourism contributes about 3% directly to South Africa’s GDP and another 9% indirectly.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country had also improved.
Molewa said: “According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, lacklustre growth in the global economy has seen FDI inflows declining 16% in the last year. [But] we have experienced growth of FDI.”
In terms of regional trade integration, Molewa said South Africa was elected as the incoming chair of the Southern African Development Community. The cluster’s participation in global structures continued and it had been led by ambassador Tebogo Seokolo as the chair of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s board of governors. — BDLive