Newly appointed South African Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk opened the 2004 Tourism Indaba in Durban on Saturday in his first official act since being appointed minister.
The indaba is now in its 22nd year and South African Tourism said at a pre-indaba media briefing on May 4 that the tourism showcase is close to approaching maximum numbers.
Visitor applications have increased by more than 25% over the past year to more than 3Â 500 visitors from 93 countries, which includes visitors from 15 new countries.
The total number of exhibitors is also the largest to date at 1Â 616, with this number including a record 588 previously disadvantaged individuals.
International and domestic media registrations have exceeded 400.
A total of 485 main stand holders have accepted more than 15Â 000 square metres of exhibition space, with extra space being created to accommodate those still on the waiting list. In addition, it is forecast that 1Â 400 sharing exhibitors will be in the final count (up from 919 in 2003).
In a speech entitled Bigger and Better for South Africa, Van Schalkwyk told delegates at the Durban International Convention Centre that the indaba takes place at an important time when South Africa is celebrating its first decade of freedom.
He said it is no accident that the country’s most impressive and exponential tourism growth has also been achieved during the past 10 years.
“We must take pride in the positive story of Southern African tourism. Ours is a unique African story of cooperation and innovation of tradition and technology, of pride and potential,” he said.
“The real value of tourism goes well beyond concepts like revenue, turnover and occupancy rates — the greatest value of tourism lies in its power to bring people together.”
“What we are achieving is a direct result of the strong partnership that has been forged between national, provincial and local government, business, labour and especially our communities.”
Van Schalkwyk said tourism is one of the country’s five most important economic growth sectors because of its great potential to contribute to sustainable economic growth, job creation and poverty eradication.
“Our region is blessed with both cultural and natural potential. You have enhanced this potential with products and energy. We are determined to match your effects with innovative programmes and focused marketing. Together we will continue to grow South Africa and Southern Africa as a tourism destination of distinction,” he concluded. — I-Net Bridge
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