The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

North West Premier, Mme Thandi Modise says her provincial government will continue to support local tourism as it is very important for creating jobs and fighting unemployment.

“Tourism plays a very important part in our economy, if we can fully support small businesses as government in this sector, we can create many jobs for our people.

“Local tourism has the power to assist the province and the municipality in developing local products and creating local jobs," emphasised Premier Modise at the tourism stakeholder engagement held at Rustenburg Civic Centre on Thursday.

The engagement which was held under the theme “service excellent- the negotiable element of hospitality” as part of the programme for tourism month is targeted at tourism and related service owners, management and employees who play pivotal role as the interface and image of destination.

Premier Modise at the interaction which was also broadcasted live on E –TV’s Sunrise Breakfast Show emphasised that there is a need for Small businesses at local level to be supported by government and also find a way of ensuring that they are sustainable.

“We all agree as government that tourism sector have got the potential to contribute to economic growth of our province.

We have noted that in the past money was pumped into small businesses which later collapsed due to lack of support. It is important that as we finance small businesses, proper monitoring and support to this small businesses,” she said.

Deputy Tourism Minister Thokozile Xasa, concurred with Premier Modise that South Africa need to continue to build a sustainable tourism industry locally.

She cited that tourism is one of the critical sectors, if it can be sustained the economy of the country can be at the highest level in the international standard.

North West MEC for Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism, Motlalepula Rhoso also said that her department is hard at work to promote unique selling point in terms of tourism product in the province.

“The tourists do not get attracted to a place for its physical beauty alone, they can be attracted by specific tourism products which are there in our product.We have Taung as a cultural district, for instance our own traditional dance, food, and agricultural products,” she cited.