JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- South Africa needs to improve air connectivity and facilitate visa access to grow its tourism industry, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said Wednesday.
In a message to the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) Tourism Leadership Conference at Sun City Resort, North West Province, de Lille said the government and private sector would work together through the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan to remove barriers to growth.
She said the plan outlined joint efforts to expand air access, improve visa access, strengthen destination marketing, develop tourism products and create opportunities for more South Africans to participate in the industry.
South Africa has set a target of 15 million international arrivals by 2030, de Lille said, adding that visitor numbers alone would not determine the industry's success.
The results would also be measured by how many South Africans find work, how many small businesses grow, how many rural communities benefit and how inclusive the tourism economy becomes, she said.
De Lille stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between government and industry to address challenges and translate their shared commitments into action.
Addressing the conference, TBCSA Chairperson Jerry Mabena called for improved air access, a more enabling investment environment and greater support for small businesses and rural tourism development.
He said rural tourism businesses need access to markets, financing and reliable infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, water and electricity, to benefit from the industry's growth.
Najib Balala, executive vice president of the World Travel & Tourism Council, also urged South Africa to improve regional air, rail and road connectivity and ease visa restrictions to attract more tourists. ■
