Travel and tourism in South Africa contributed 1,5 million jobs and
R425,8 billion to the economy in 2018, representing 8,6% of all economic
activity in the country and making South Africa the largest tourism economy
in Africa, according to an annual review by the World Travel & Tourism
Council (WTTC).
For over 25 years, the WTTC, which represents the global private sector of
travel and tourism, has compared the travel and tourism sector across 185
countries.
According to the review, the industry was primarily driven by leisure
travellers (64%). About 44% of the tourism spend came from international
travellers and 56% from domestic travel.
"South Africa has long grasped the potential of travel and tourism to drive
economic growth, create jobs and promote social development, and I would
like to acknowledge the leadership of the Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom,"
said Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of the WTTC, in a statement.
She also welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's ambition to double the number
of people directly employed in travel and tourism industry in South Africa.
"Looking to the future, I believe that travel and tourism are South Africa's
greatest resources, and the country's strategy for expansion, which
prioritises regional integration, environmental sustainability and putting
the community at the heart of decisions, will make for a successful
combination," she said.
A record number of more than 1 500 delegates attended the WTTC Global
Summit, held in Seville, Spain, from 3 to 4 April 2019.
¡V Source: www.news24.com |