Member states of IORA recently gathered in Durban,
ahead of Africaˇ¦s Travel Indaba, for a two-day
engagement to map a way forward in advancing coastal and
marine tourism in the region. Hosted by South
Africa, the two-day event included engagements on
coastal and marine tourism and its potential to increase
economic productivity and employment opportunities. The
event will culminate in the #ThirdIORAMeetingofExperts
who will formulate a Tourism Core Group and Terms of
Reference (ToR) that will inform the implementation of
tourism initiatives within the association.
In her opening remarks, South African Deputy Minister of
Tourism, Elizabeth Thabethe, welcomed delegates and
encouraged them to deliberate with a view of achieving
tangible results that would contribute towards inclusive
economic growth.
ˇ§We are honoured to be hosting this two-day IORA
engagement amid our preparations to receive thousands of
delegates from across the world who will witness and
share in our continentˇ¦s tourism success stories at
Africaˇ¦s Travel Indaba 2018.ˇ¨
ˇ§Our engagement aptly takes place as our country
celebrates the centenary and the legacy of former
President Nelson Mandela, whose vison was instrumental
in the formation of IORA in 1997.ˇ¨
ˇ§As we lead the formation of the Tourism Core Group, we
do so in honour of the ideals advocated by Nelson
Mandela in enhancing economic cooperation among the
countries of the Indian Ocean Rim,ˇ¨ said Deputy Minister
Thabethe.
Tourism is the fastest-growing economy that contributes
to 10% of the worldˇ¦s gross domestic product creates one
in 10 jobs globally, and has generated over US$1,4
trillion in export earnings. With the United Nations
World Tourism Organisation predicting that international
tourist arrivals will reach 1,8 billion by 2030, it is
critical that multiple arenas such as the ocean economy
are explored to grow tourism.
ˇ§Tourism is uniquely positioned to yield substantial
benefits for IORA member states through enhanced tourist
linkages and effective marketing.ˇ¨
ˇ§We are hopeful that the establishment of the IORA
Tourism Core Group will accelerate the implementation of
the associationˇ¦s Blue Economy initiative, and unlock
the benefits of ocean-driven economic growth for the
member states. While you are here please take some time
to explore our beautiful countryˇ¨, concluded Deputy
Minister Thabethe. |