Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism
With reference to MFMA Circular 131 and its impact on tourism promotion NPOs:
What plans does his Department have in place to support and promote the growth of the tourism sector in the province?
The Department is guided by the Growth for Jobs Strategy (under PFA 2), which sets the goal of increasing international visitor arrivals to between 2.5 and 3 million per annum by 2030. In addition, the Department works with all stakeholders to realise the province’s destination strategy, Tourism Blueprint 2030. In the forthcoming financial year, the Department will also continue to focus on the following key areas as outlined in the Department’s Annual Performance Plan (APP):
- Tourism Planning and Ecosystems Support
- Tourism Growth and Development
- Tourism regulation and Visitor Safety
Within the first area of focus and with reference to MFMA Circular 131, the Department will provide greater support to regional and local tourism ecosystems through capacity-building initiatives. In addition, the Department is also lobbying the National Department of Tourism to urgently undertake a national policy review since national tourism policy contradicts MFMA Circular 131 and provinces and municipalities require urgent clarity and guidance on how to navigate this contradiction. The Department will also work with regional and local stakeholders to explore alternative funding models. The various planned initiatives are outlined in the Department’s APP.
At the same time, it should be emphasised that Circular 131 does not negate local government’s Constitutional mandate and responsibility in respect of local tourism, and municipalities need to continue to plan and budget adequately for tourism as a mandated area.
Lastly, the function of promoting the province is a mandate that the Department assigns to Wesgro. In the forthcoming year, Wesgro will invest in destination marketing for both leisure and business markets to grow demand, as well as the Cape Town Air Access and Cruise Cape Town initiatives to promote accessibility. The Agency’s business plan and APP describe its planned activities in greater detail. Through structures such as the Regional Tourism Organisations Forum, Wesgro coordinate its marketing activities closely with regions and local tourism bodies.
