Cabinet has approved a coastal and maritime tourism implementation plan.

In a statement released on Friday, Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa said the implementation plan was developed by the Department of Tourism in partnership with various tourism stakeholders.  

“The vision is to grow a world-class and sustainable coastal and marine tourism destination that leverages South Africa’s competitive advantage in nature, culture and heritage,” she said.
 
The coastal and marine tourism sector will contribute about R21.4-billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and create about 116 000 direct jobs by 2026. 

“These estimates are conservative as they are growing off a low 2015 base of R11.9-billion direct contribution to GDP and 64 400 direct jobs.”
 
The plan will be implemented in a nodal or cluster approach and will prioritise destinations rather than individual tourism projects or products.