Tourism month to highlight rural development
The theme for this year's tourism month is 'Tourism and rural development' with a focus on unlocking opportunities in rural areas across the country.
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Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, said she hopes the month of September will help revive the hospitality and tourism sector in the country.
Speaking at a media launch of tourism month, Kubayi-Ngubane said the theme for this year was ‘Tourism and Rural Development’.
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“This year’s theme was conceptualised as a recognition of the important role that tourism plays in the development of rural communities by way of poverty alleviation, employment creation and overall stimulation of economic activities,” she said.
“Yet it is these communities that have suffered the most from the devastating impact the pandemic has had on the tourism sector. Without tourism, many of these communities have no other form of economic activity that can help them generate income.”
The hospitality and tourism sector in Durban has been heavily hit due to the lockdown regulations.
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In a study by the city of Durban, it was estimated that about 320 000 jobs were lost, along with billions in revenue during that four-month period of inactivity.
“By all indications the worst is behind us. Though we are not oblivious to the health risks that still remain and may be with us for months to come, we are happy that the people of the world and here at home have begun to embrace living in the new normal,” said Kubayi-Ngubane.
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