JOHANNESBURG, April 16 (Xinhua) -- South Africa is continuing to refurbish existing infrastructure and develop new facilities at its national tourist resorts to enhance the visitor experience and attract more tourists, a government official said.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) Willie Aucamp spoke to Xinhua regarding the government's commitment to establishing the country as a premier global tourism destination.
On Tuesday, the Department of Tourism, alongside the DFFE, launched the newly refurbished Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct in the Western Cape, a project completed at a cost of 817,000 rand (approximately 49,830 U.S. dollars).
Aucamp noted that construction is also nearing completion at Kruger National Park's Shangoni Gate, an investment of 113 million rand, alongside the development of new chalets at Addo Elephant National Park.
"Since 2013, 20 projects have been completed. In the coming financial year, we will increase that number to 25 as part of an ongoing expansion," said Aucamp.
He also highlighted the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Center at Golden Gate Highlands National Park, which opened last year, as a key addition to the country's national park offerings.
The South African government manages 19 national parks, renowned for their diverse flora and fauna.
Aucamp expressed confidence that these continuous infrastructure improvements and a focus on service quality will drive a significant increase in visitor numbers to the nation's parks and resorts. ■
