Green investments play a pivotal role in nurturing a tourism sector that is both economically vibrant and environmentally responsible.
So said South African Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, during the hosting of yesterday’s World Tourism Day (September 27) celebrations at Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West Province under the theme: ‘Tourism invests in a green future’.
“In light of the United Nations roadmap for a better world by 2030, the urgency for innovative solutions that transcend traditional investments has never been greater. We acknowledge the role of sustainable investments in forging a resilient and inclusive future for tourism,” the Deputy Minister said.
“Our vision is clear: to foster a tourism ecosystem where every investment is green, every endeavour nurtures our environment, and every step brings us closer to the Sustainable Development Goals outlined for 2030.
“Now is the time to innovate, to think beyond the beaten path, to envision tourist facilities powered by renewable energies, accommodations that are a haven of green architecture, and experiences that enable our guests to leave a green footprint behind.”
Mahlalela added that investments in green technologies and infrastructures not only preserved the country’s landscapes for generations to come, but also spawned new avenues for economic growth and job creation. “It is our moral imperative to safeguard our rich cultural heritage.”
Importance of domestic tourism
In South Africa, the purpose of Tourism Month is to create awareness about domestic tourism activities and to encourage citizens to travel the country.
“Locally, the World Tourism Day celebration is held under the Domestic Tourism campaign. It aims to foster awareness about domestic travel among communities as well as to create awareness about the importance of tourism to the economy. This is important as domestic tourism is a significant pillar in the recovery process,” said Mahlalela.
The standout domestic tourism campaign was South African Tourism’s annual Sho’t Left Travel Week earlier this month, which Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, recently said delivered “remarkable results”.
This year, the North West Province was chosen to host the country’s World Tourism Day celebrations with the aim of highlighting its many cultural gems and natural attractions.
“It is an idyllic province, with all-year sunny climate and various cultural and historical attractions. It is known as South Africa’s ‘platinum province’ for its vast underground resources, and also produces platinum, gold, diamonds and uranium,” Mahlalela said.
He also referred to the North West’s popular destinations such as the Magaliesberg region, Pilanesberg Nature Reserve, the world-renowned Sun City Resort, Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway, and the Unesco Taung Skull Fossil World Heritage Site.
“Tourism extends beyond simply powering economies and creating jobs or offering wanderlust explorers unforgettable experiences; it is a formidable force in building cohesive societies. It facilitates the breaking down of barriers of race, gender and class, thus fostering understanding and nurturing the rich tapestry of our shared humanity.”
‘International travel making a comeback’
Mahlalela believes that the recent statistics released by StatSA show that international travel is making a great comeback.
From January to July this year, a total of 4.8 million international tourists arrived in South Africa, signifying a 70.6% surge compared with the same period in 2022. However, these figures still lag behind the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 by a 19.0% shortfall.
Within this 4.8 million arrivals, the African region has the biggest share, while Europe also played a significant role, contributing 14.3% (equivalent to 682 828) of the total tourists.
“The tourism sector is encouraged by these figures, because it shows that our nation remains a choice destination, captivating the hearts of many with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and remarkable wildlife,” Mahlalela said.
21 million arrivals by 2030
However, he stressed that, to reach South Africa’s ambitious target of 21 million arrivals by 2023, the country must “flip the script” and drive a clear, united path to its destination marketing.
“We must implement insight-driven marketing strategies and strengthen telling the story of our beautiful destination as we continue our efforts of attracting the new traveller in the post-COVID-19 landscape.”
Mahlalela concluded that the country aimed to foster a future of tourism that harmonised with nature, promoted prosperity responsibly, and embodied a green heart.
“I am talking about the proverbial ‘Triple Bottom Line,’ which consists of ‘People, Planet, and Profit.’ Let us set forth on this path with vigour and determination, for the road ahead is green and bright, brimming with sustainable, innovative, and genuinely South African possibilities that inspire new ways. Let’s make South Africa a great place to visit and a green destination to remember,” he said.
