Johannesburg, Gauteng – In a significant announcement that underscores Gauteng’s promising status as a premier tourism destination, Ms. Tasneem Motara, the Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, unveiled the province’s impressive tourism performance for the period of September to December 2023. The revelation that Gauteng exceeded Tourism targets came during a session held at Kyalami Shisanyama in Midrand, attended by key stakeholders in the tourism and travel industry.
Gauteng Exceeded Tourism Targets for the Financial Year Due to Impactful Initiatives
Often referred to as the golden province, Gauteng exceeded tourism targets for the financial year, recording a remarkable foreign direct tourism spend of R30 billion against a target of R13 billion. International tourist arrivals have also seen an unprecedented surge, reaching 2,6 million and surpassing the set goal of 1,605 million. The domestic tourism sector is not far behind, showing robust recovery with over 5,6 million domestic trips recorded within the same period.
Impact Strategic Initiatives
The session, attended by representatives from various tourism associations, travel trade partners, and members of the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) Board, among others, served as a platform for Ms. Motara to highlight the province’s strategic initiatives. These initiatives have been instrumental in leveraging Gauteng’s eventing infrastructure, supporting SMMEs, and enhancing the economic landscape of townships and informal settlements through tourism.
Gauteng Tourism is Changing the Lives of Women and the Youth and Connecting the Continent to the Globe
Ms. Motara emphasised the profound impact of these statistics, which represent not just numbers but the lives of women and young people who have directly benefited from the province’s tourism initiatives. She reflected on the resilience and hard work of the sector, which has rebounded with vigour after the devastating effects of Covid-19.
Connecting Africa to the Globe
Gauteng exceeded tourism targets by prioritising the African market and aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote inter-continental travel and the development of quality global events. This approach is complemented by targeting other key markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, India, the Middle East, and Brazil. The strategy’s success is evident in the continued lead of Africa in terms of international arrivals, affirming the effectiveness of Gauteng’s market-oriented approach.
SA Tourism Praises Gauteng Tourism’s Efforts
Melusi Mngomezulu, the Head of Insights & Analytics at South African Tourism, lauded Gauteng’s performance, and its role in setting a precedent for tourism excellence in the country. “Gauteng’s exceptional performance signals that the province is on track to exceed its arrivals and revenue targets before the fiscal year concludes, marking a significant triumph for the province and ultimately the country,” he stated.
In conclusion
The achievements of Gauteng in the tourism sector are a testament to the province’s strategic planning, investment in quality infrastructure, and commitment to inclusivity and economic development. Gauteng exceeded tourism targets and continues to grow its tourism industry, it sets a benchmark for other regions, showcasing the potential of tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and social upliftment.
