Tourism South Africa CEO Cheryl Carolus revealed this yesterday morning during the "media face off" at the Tourism Indaba held yesterday. "This means that this country is seven percent ahead of the global, and we will continue to capitalize on that," she said.
The primary reason cited for the decrease in tourism worldwide is the security concern, with September 11 images still lingering on the mind of the would be traveler.
The other reason for change in fortunes for South Africa, Carolus added is the country's stability and the sound finance mechanism through the ministry of finance.
"This is reflected in the stability of our currency, and we are using that strength to launch our Global Competitiveness project," said Carolus.
She admitted that though much work needs to be done, citing the transformation targets for the industry, which have been set by the Environmental Affairs and Tourism ministry for this year.
The recommendations, which were made by former Minister for Environmental Affairs and Tourism Valli Moosa are to be implemented before the end of the year.
The media face off is a platform where major players in the tourism sector interact with the media and are subject to intense questions.
The function was presided over by veteran broadcaster from SA fm John Perlman.
Themba Khumalo, Moeketsi Mosola and Didi Moyle who are members of the SA tourism team joined Dr Crispian Olver, who is director general of the Tourism department.
According to the team whilst there was an increase in foreign tourists, the other factor for the growth in the industry was in the domestic sector.
"Last year South Africans made 49-million trips within this country, exploring and appreciating its splendor," said South African Tourism Board Chairman Rick Mennel.
This, he added, generated R47-million in revenue.
"Therefore as part of the overall approach we are expanding the effort on domestic tourism, this will be done through interacting with provinces to ensure that they strengthen their centers in terms of personnel and information," said Mennel.
Among the team's targets are efforts to ensure that local tourism outlets do not overprice themselves and scare customers away.
According to research, tourists are looking for an integrated market so that they do not pay prices to different outlets.
"That is why we want to involve SMMEs like taverns so that they are part of the entire project that boosts not only domestic but international tourist because they offer a uniquely South African experience," said Didi Moyle who heads research department in SA Tourism. - BuaNews
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