Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
DR. PALLO JORDAN, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM VISITS GERMANY
Dr Z. Pallo Jordan, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism in South Africa, is currently visiting Germany to explore areas of greater co-operation between Germany and South Africa, in the areas of environmental affairs and tourism.
As part of his week-long programme in Germany, Minister Jordan will be meeting with Dr Angela Merkel, Federal Minister of Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. He will also be attending the International Tourism Fair in Berlin, the International Conference on Sustainable Tourism in Bonn, and will be giving the Key-note address at a seminar on "Tourism in South Africa - An Investment Overview".
South Africa has experienced a massive tourism boom since the first national democratic election in 1994. Between January and September 1996, a total of 4,7 million people from around the world visited South Africa, and tourism figures have been on a steady increase, averaging an annual increase of 10%. Tourism creates jobs for approximately 550 000 people both directly and indirectly, and contributes 4,7% to the gross Domestic product of South Africa. Since October 1996, South Africa earned over R15 billion in foreign exchange through tourism.
According to Minister Jordan, tourism is poised to become one of the major lead sectors in the South African economy, with the potential to attract greater investment, to develop the country's infrastructure, and to empower the poorest of the poor by meeting social and economic needs at community-level. Tourism has consequently assumed a new significance in the overall economic strategy of the government.
The Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is spear-heading far-reaching changes in the South African tourism industry. This includes broadening the base of the industry to facilitate greater ownership among previously marginalised communities and the greater involvement and ownership of local communities in eco-tourism initiatives. The Minister has also committed South Africa to sustainable tourism, to protect and conserve the natural environment on which tourism development often has a negative impact.
Minister Jordan is also introducing a new marketing strategy for the country. He feels that in the past tourists heard only about South Africa's flora, fauna and beautiful beaches. As a result, they missed the opportunity to experience the rich cultural and historical heritage of the South African "Rainbow Nation".
4 March 1997
For more information or for copies of Minister Jordan's speeches, please contact:
Alan Moore Head: Media Section South African Embassy, Bonn Ph: (0228) 820 1149 / 820 10 Fax: (0228) 820 1171
Cassandra Gabriel Public Relations Officer Ministry of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, RSA Ph: (021) 457 240/1, Cell: 082 573 4168 Fax: (021) 453216