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PRESIDENT ZUMA OPENS TOURISM INDABA 2017 IN DURBAN

The Indaba is Africa¡¦s top tourism trade show that brings together more than 7 000 delegates that represent the top tourism products in Africa, as well as the world¡¦s leading travel buyers and travel and tourism media.

On 16 May 2016, President Jacob Zuma officially opened the Tourism Indaba 2017 at the Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

The Indaba, which took place from 16 to 18 May, again showcased South African products and services in the tourism and hospitality sector. Tourism Indaba 2017 also promoted and supported the ongoing transformation and development of the South African tourism industry, notably the role entrepreneurs and small-business owners play.

The South African Government has targeted tourism as one of the key sectors to stimulate inclusive economic growth and job creation, in line with the National Development Plan, which is government¡¦s blueprint for growth and development aimed at eliminating poverty and reducing inequality in South Africa by 2030.

Government remains committed to creating a fertile environment in which tourism can take root and flourish as well as investing in tourism.

An additional R494 million had been allocated by government over the medium term budget expenditure period to promote tourism over the next three years. This includes an injection of R110 million over three years to help attract more business events and delegates to South Africa, in the form of a Bidding Fund. The fund will enable South Africa to bid more aggressively for international association conferences, meetings, incentives and exhibitions.

While government has committed to supporting tourism, it will continue to enlist the support of the private sector.

Domestic tourism also remains critical for the South African economy, where each South African has a role to play in contributing to the growth of the economy.

In South Africa, more than 10 million international tourists arrived in 2016, 13% more than 2015. This is well over the global average growth rate of 3% for the period.


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