South Africa confident of stable future for tourism

South Africa confident of stable future for tourism
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South African Tourism (SAT) has reassured the trade that the future of tourism initiatives is secure after recent elections.

With African National Congress president Jacob Zuma re-elected, SAT chief executive Thulani Nzima is not worried that tourism funding will be affected.

“There is a clear understanding of the value of tourism and its contribution to the economy and job creation,” he said.

South Africa tourism minister Marthinus Van Shalkwyk told the Indaba opening ceremony that international tourist arrivals accounted for 3% of GDP in 2012 and 4.6% of direct employment.

As for safety during the elections, Nzima believed it was taken for granted, shown by an absence of cancellations.

“There were no travel warnings that the elections could go horribly wrong. Most people had forgotten there were elections taking place,” he told Travel Today. “It is a demonstration of the maturity of our democracy.”

KwaZulu Natal, the province that hosts the annual Indaba trade show also allayed any concerns.

“We want to take this opportunity and dispel any hesitancy that our partners and stakeholders in the tourism sector might have,” KwaZulu Natal MEC for tourism Michael Mabuyakhulu said.

“The Republic of South Africa is safe. The province of KwaZulu Natal is safe.”

“There should be no fear about the future of tourism,” Mabuyakhulu said. 

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