South Africans encouraged to ‘do’ tourism sustainably during Tourism Month
JOBURG – South Africans are encouraged to promote energy effeciency and anti-poaching campaigns which promote tourism in South Africa.
The National Department of Tourism has started a Tourism Month initiative for the month of September in order to encourage South Africans to explore and discover their own country.
“We aim to use Tourism Month as a vehicle to inspire South Africans to travel in their own beautiful country by promoting domestic travel that is easily accessible, affordable, exciting and often right on their own doorstep,” explained Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa.
This year was declared the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. Following this, the theme of this year’s Tourism Month is sustainability. The focus is on promoting eco-friendly, inclusive and socially responsible tourism practices that promote cultural diversity and boost this sector’s contribution to the South African economy.
Xasa said Tourism Month would also promote affordable holiday options in all nine provinces, particularly those that attract a lower proportion of holidaymakers.
“It’s vital for our economy to not just focus on bringing in international travellers, but to stimulate domestic tourism too by creating a culture of travel among South Africans.
“By travelling locally, every South African makes a direct contribution to the tourism value chain – from filling up with petrol and shopping for padkos to booking into a bed and breakfast and buying handmade artisanal goods,” said Xasa.
In keeping with the country’s I Do Tourism campaign, which emphasises the vital role tourism plays in everyone’s lives, Xasa said South Africans could ‘do tourism’ sustainably by using recyclable products, promoting energy efficiency, conserving the natural environment and supporting anti-poaching initiatives – making South Africa an attractive and progressive prospect for all tourists.
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“Furthermore, by being a welcoming country of smiles and genuine hospitality, we can all play a part in our own prosperity. Tourism is a valuable pillar of many healthy and prosperous societies and by extending a visit to family and friends into a holiday trip, and supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses, we are all playing a part in developing and enhancing the economy and our people.”
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