A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE ON THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 15 FEBRUARY 2011

A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE ON THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS AREAS THAT HAVE A DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACT ON TOURISM Increasing Tourist access Through flexible visa requirements; Improved landing slots at foreign airports and Improved Tourism infrastructure. The importance of Public Private Partnerships. The importance of the Cultural sector. The role of state owned enterprises and development finance Institutions. The support for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME). The introduction of the New Growth Path for meaningful economic transformation and inclusive growth.

A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE ON THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS FLEXIBLE VISA REQUIREMENTS South Africa being a long haul destination makes it very difficult for potential tourists to consider it for travel purposes. The processes of applying for VISAs further exacerbate the problem. This practice is now common in a number of countries, and it is done to encourage relations between countries that have trade agreements. It remains important that the flexibility of these requirements does not create a platform for criminal activity.

A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE ON THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS IMPROVED LANDING SLOTS AT FOREIGN AIRPORTS Enhanced targeted Marketing of SA in foreign countries Investigate investment opportunities in foreign countries Bidding for international events

A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE ON THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS IMPROVED TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE The performance of the EPWP in the Tourism department. Creation tourism demand in disadvantaged communities and towns in order to facilitate tourism infrastructure development. (e.g. Transport infrastructure) Protection and conservation of Heritage and Cultural infrastructure A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE ON THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS

THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIS The role of TEP in creating business linkages between small businesses and established businesses. Initiatives such as the “Adopt a Guesthouse” by Southern Sun in conjunction with NDT

A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE ON THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL SECTOR The authenticity of the South African Cultural experience The promotion of cultural of events nationally and internationally Structured bidding for international Cultural events. The importance of historical monuments and the care thereof.

A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE ON THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS THE ROLE OF STATE OWNED ENTERPRISES AND DEVELOPMENT FINANCE INSTITUTIONS Internships - THETA Funding for new businesses and expansion of existing businesses Create linkages between established businesses and SMMEs

A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE ON THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS THE SUPPORT FOR SMALL, MEDIUM AND MICRO ENTERPRISES The envisaged merger of the three enterprises: Khula Enterprises, South Africa Micro Finance Apex Fund and the IDC New market incentives and exposure The 30-turnover for Small Businesses is well underway

A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE ON THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW GROWTH PATH (NGP) Promotion and support for of Entrepreneurship Trickling-down system for job opportunities Provision and maintenance of road infrastructure Quality assurance of tourism products A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE ON THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS

IMPLICATIONS FOR PARLIAMENT FOR 2011 Close monitoring of tourism-linked infrastructure development through EPWP. Constant engagements with the Department of Tourism with regard to Cultural Tourism. There is a need for the Committee to monitor the different programmes pioneered by the department to attract investors for infrastructure development in rural areas. Parliament needs to oversee that there is alignment in the promotion of events which take place in the different provinces. Parliament need to oversee that the different provinces also adhere to the 30-day payment period. Constant advocacy for rural tourism marketing and development

A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE ON THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS IMPLICATIONS FOR PARLIAMENT FOR 2011 CONTINUED Advocacy for increased budget for the department of tourism in line with its mandate. Parliament needs to continuously engage with the department on the protection and conservation of sites that are of tourism significant. Parliament needs to have an ongoing review and dialogue with key stakeholders about creating a business environment that encourages entrepreneurship. Parliament needs to engage with the department of Home Affairs in order to assess the possibility of visa requirements relaxation where necessary.

A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE ON THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS PROGRESS ON ISSUES IN THE 2010 SONA World cup infrastructure Perceptions of crime Expanded Public works programme SMME developmenmt Training