To make travel and tourism more affordable and accessible for all South Africans, the minister of tourism, Patricia de Lille, has recommitted her department to working closely with all key strategic partners.
During the Sho’t Left Travel Week Campaign’s official media launch held in the Northern Cape last Wednesday, attended by journalists from various media outlets in the country, she stressed that domestic tourism is the bedrock of the sector for creating sustainable jobs for the young people of this country.
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“In 2023, South Africa recorded an impressive 38 million domestic trips, contributing R121b to the economy and highlighting the critical role domestic travellers play in sustaining the industry. One of the most successful initiatives promoting domestic tourism is the Sho’t Left Travel Week Campaign, which offers discounted deals of up to 50% and encourages locals to travel and discover the many wonders within our shores.
This year, the week will take place from September 2 to 8, allowing South Africans to book discounted travel deals to use when it suits them, depending on terms and conditions,” she said.
De Lille said various domestic challenges have negatively impacted local tourism due to the high cost of living driven by persistent inflation. “These factors create a difficult environment for South Africans to explore their own country. This department is addressing these issues and working closely with its partners to find solutions and create an enabling environment for domestic and international tourism.”
De Lille said with the country’s unemployment rate at 33.5%, it is vital that the tourism sector does more to respond to this crisis. Employment in the tourism sector is projected to grow from 1.7 million jobs in 2024 to 2.2 million by 2030, which is expected to make up 12.8% of the total employment in the country by 2030.
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“This once again highlights the sector’s critical role in driving economic growth and providing employment opportunities, particularly in the post-pandemic recovery phase, with job creation being a cornerstone of our Government of National Unity’s agenda. We are committed to enhancing the implementation of programmes that empower the private sector to generate more sustainable jobs as there is a clear correlation between tourism growth and an increase in job creation, driving economic prosperity and sustaining our heritage,” she said.
De Lille said tourism is well positioned to provide opportunities to unemployed youth and women, whether skilled or semi-skilled, more rapidly than industries such as agriculture and mining, with high entry barriers and requiring billions in initial investment.
“Tourism is not only about attracting visitors; it is about inviting locals and international guests to engage deeply with the stories and experiences that define the nation. The sector is optimistic about the future with the revival of major conferences and events, and the tireless efforts of professionals across the globe signifying gradual global growth in tourism.”
