Tourism Deputy Minister Fish Mahlalela says the department will invest R300 million in tourism, in the next financial year.
Mahlalela was speaking in Durban on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s Africa Travel Indaba and said the investment is necessary to grow the industry.
“I’m pleased to announce that the Department of Tourism in the country is planning to spend almost R300 million in the next financial year, developing the enterprise and transforming the tourism sector,” he said.
Some of the money will also go to women owned Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME)’s.
“As part of our transforming agenda we have a target of spending 40% of our budget on procuring goods and services from SMME’S including women-owned businesses.
“We also recognize the importance of the youth. We are proud to announce the launch of the tourism technology and innovation incubator, a youth focused initiative that will incubate 20 SMME’S nationwide,” the Minister said.
He said the initiative aims to support young entrepreneurs and increase the opportunities for tourism.
Mahlalela also spoke about the challenges the sector faced since the Covid-19 pandemic, saying pre-Covid in 2019, the tourism sector welcomed 2.2 million international tourists in South Africa generating about R220 billion in a sector that employs close to 1.6 million people.
About 800 business people from 18 African countries are expected to participate in the Tourism Indaba 2023.
They will be showcasing an array of travel and tourism offerings to regional and international buyers.
The Indaba will officially be opened by Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille today.
