Presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism 16 November 2010

PURPOSE To brief the Portfolio Committee on the recently tabled agreements of Kenya, Egypt and Vietnam. To clarify and indicate the benefits thereof. 2

NEED FOR NEGOTIATING BILATERAL AGREEMENTS To enhance diplomatic relations for political value and Mutual benefit on the following : Tourism investment; Enterprise and business development; Exchange of information and research; Joint marketing initiatives; and Human resource development. To create an enabling environment. 3

KENYA AGREEMENT Background Kenya is part of the European Union, African Union and United World Tourism Organisation; In the East African Region. Kenya, is the regional hub for trade, finance and tourism; and Kenya supports South Africa in multilateral organizations. 4

KENYA AGREEMENT cont…. Objectives To increase tourism investment in both countries, To engage on joint marketing initiatives to increase tourism flow, To exchange information on research and statistics and To build capacity between the two countries. Status of the Agreement An Action plan is currently being negotiated between the two countries that will identify programmes. This will be discussed at the Kenya State visit scheduled from 25 to 26 November

EGYPT AGREEMENT Background Egypt is part of the European Union, African Union and United World Tourism Organisation; In the North Africa Region Egypt’s tourism market has grown tremendously and therefore South Africa can learn a lot from them; and They also Support South Africa in multilateral organizations. 6

EGYPT cont.… Objectives To increase tourism investment in both countries; To engage on joint marketing initiatives to increase tourism flow; To exchange information on research and statistics; and To build capacity between the two countries. Status of the Agreement An Action plan is currently under development.. 7

VIETNAM AGREEMENT Background Vietnam is currently building stronger trade and tourism relations with economic powerhouses, (China, India and Brazil). Other legal instruments are in place to facilitate cooperation in areas of mutual interest, notably: Inter-Governmental Partnership Forum for Economic, Trade, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation; Joint Trade Committee; and Agreement on Waiver of Visa Requirements for holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports. 8

VIETNAM AGREEMENT cont… Objectives To increase tourism investment in both countries; To engage on joint marketing initiatives to increase tourism flow; To exchange information on research and statistics; and To build capacity between the two countries. Status of the Agreement An agreement has been signed on 6 October 2010, and an Action plan is currently being negotiated between the two countries that will identify programmes to be implemented. Financial implications will only be determined once projects have been identified. 9

10 THANK YOU 10