Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, spoke at the World Tourism Day event held on Wednesday September 27.
As South Africa observed World Tourism Day on Wednesday September 27, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, spoke about the strides made in the industry so far and acknowledging the role of sustainable investments in forging a resilient and inclusive future for tourism.
Mr Mahlalela said the focused theme is “Tourism and Green Investment”. He spoke at the Tourism Day celebration event at the Seasons Resort in Hartbeespoort in the North West province. The event was hosted by the Department of Tourism, South African Tourism and the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment and Conservation and Tourism.
“It has become imperative that we acknowledge the role of sustainable investments in forging a resilient and inclusive future for tourism. Considering the UN Roadmap for a better world by 2030, the urgency for innovative solutions that transcend traditional investments has never been so great. Tourism extends beyond simply powering economies and creating jobs or offering wanderlust explorers unforgettable experiences; it is a formidable force in building cohesive societies. It facilitates the breaking down of barriers of race, gender and class and fostering understanding and nurturing the rich tapestry of our shared humanity,” said Mr Mahlalela.
He added that the industry had made a great comeback from Covid-19 pandemic. StatsSA reported that from January to July 2023, a total of 4.8 million international tourists arrived in South Africa, signifying a remarkable 70.6% surge compared to the same period in 2022. However, Mr Mahlalela noted these figures still lag the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 by a 19.0% shortfall.
“Despite the drop in tourism, the numbers still paint a vibrant picture of South Africa’s continued allure. It’s clear that our nation remains a destination of choice, captivating the hearts of many with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and remarkable wildlife,” said Mr Mahlalela.
“However, to reach our ambitious target of 21 million arrivals by 2023, we must flip the script and drive a clear well illuminated united path to our destination marketing. We must implement insight-driven marketing strategies and strengthening telling the story of our beautiful destination as we continue our efforts of attracting the new traveller in the post Covid 19 landscape.”
The beauty of South Africa has not gone unnoticed, with the country having recently received the prestigious title of the “Best Country” by the readers of the UK’s Telegraph Travel publication, and with Cape Town, having been crowned as the “Best City in the World”.
Mr Mahlalela said the contribution has been invaluable in implementing the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan, setting the country on a trajectory of accelerated economic growth.
“I must emphasise that green investments play a cardinal role in nurturing a tourism sector that is both economically vibrant and environmentally responsible,” said he said. “Our vision is clear: to foster a tourism ecosystem where every investment is green, every endeavour nurtures our environment, and every step brings us closer to the Sustainable Development Goals outlined for 2030. Now is the time to innovate, to think beyond the beaten path, to envision tourist facilities powered by renewable energies, accommodations that are a haven of green architecture and experiences that enable our guests to leave a green footprint behind.”
By investing in green technologies and infrastructures they not only preserve the landscapes for generations to come but also spawn new avenues for economic growth and job creation – it is a moral imperative to safeguard our rich cultural heritage, Mr Mahlalela added.
“We are on the cusp of a revolution where green investment is not just a choice but a cardinal principle that guides our path to recovery and beyond. By 2024, as predicted by the UN World Tourism Organisation, we are aspiring to stand in a world where our tourism sector has not just recovered but has evolved into a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable space. We aim to foster a future of tourism that harmonises with nature, promotes prosperity responsibly and embodies a green heart,” said Mr Mahlalela.