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During this Tourism Month, the Democratic Alliance will request that the Portfolio Committee on Tourism launch an investigation into the steps that can be taken to boost domestic tourism in South Africa, improving local economies around the country.

This follows increasing evidence that domestic tourism is coming under pressure, because of a worsening economy and the lack of affordable holiday destinations. This explains the drop of 500,000 domestic travellers in the 2013/14 year in comparison with the previous reporting period.

The committee should specifically investigate the growing reality for so many South Africans that tourism is just too expensive. It also needs to look at what can be done to help the tourism sector grow in the light of an economic downturn – and specifically the decline in international visitors due to the ill-thought out Visa regulations.

The DA’s policy on tourism sets out a number of steps to improve domestic tourism. This includes:

• Promoting the culture of travel and touring amongst South Africans through effective marketing, information and education;
• Providing tourism operators with information on domestic tourism demand to promote the development of tourism products targeted at diversified domestic market segments;
• Promoting an increased awareness amongst communities and the general public about the importance of and economic potential in tourism and conservation;
• Supporting a greater geographic spread of tourism offerings; and
• Ensuring that the infrastructure created to support domestic tourism is designed to serve as the backbone for international tourism.

The DA will specifically ask that the committee look into the numerous poorly developed and maintained government-funded tourist attractions. These 700 or so resorts remain sorely underutilised, and could be converted into “budget” holiday destinations, in partnership with the private sector. 

There should also be an inquiry into the extension of dual pricing for foreign and domestic tourists when they enter government run parks and recreational facilities. This could allow for cheaper tourist options for South Africans, and more opportunities for travelling around the country.

This tourism month is an opportunity to focus on boosting domestic tourism and creating jobs for South Africans across the country. We will urge the portfolio committee to take it seriously so that it helps contribute to the growth of the sector, and the creation of opportunities around the country.

Issued by DA