Domestic tourism is the lifeblood of South Africa’s tourism industry and economy, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said yesterday.
AVASHNEE MOODLEY
JOHANNESBURG - Last year, it contributed R20.2 billion to the national economy.
The department of tourism said 5.5 million domestic trips were taken in the first quarter of 2012, which contributed R5.2 billion to the economy.
This is over R600 million, or 13%, more than last year’s economic contribution over the same period.
Talking during the launch of Tourism month, Van Schalkwyk called on South Africans to be “tourists in their own country” and to enjoy on their doorstep that which attracts millions of foreign tourists each year.
“When domestic tourism grows, we create a nation of tourism ambassadors who are knowledgeable and speak positively about our destination, who warmly welcome foreign tourists, and are helpful when they meet visitors,” he said.
According to the minister, there are nearly 2.5 million special offers to the South African public during Tourism Month, which is aimed at making leisure breaks even more accessible and affordable.
The special offer vouchers, which include discounts on rates at accommodation establishments and a range of leisure travel activities countrywide, will be handed out to the thousands of visitors expected at the Getaway Show at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg, this weekend.
The vouchers will be redeemable from today.
An additional 4 400 vouchers will be distributed on South African Tourism’s Vaya Mzansi Facebook page, www.facebook.com/vayamzansi.
There are also other initiatives in place this month with the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) and South African Hidden Treasures running the Green ID Specials.
The campaign allows any individual who produces his or her South African Identity Document (Green ID) a discount of up to 50% on the participating product on World Tourism Day September, 27.
Domestic travellers can choose from a variety of accommodation establishments, game lodges, museums, restaurants, and adventure activities such as canopy trails, paragliding, and a cheetah experience.
There is even a theatre production on offer.
AVASHNEE MOODLEY
JOHANNESBURG - Last year, it contributed R20.2 billion to the national economy.
The department of tourism said 5.5 million domestic trips were taken in the first quarter of 2012, which contributed R5.2 billion to the economy.
This is over R600 million, or 13%, more than last year’s economic contribution over the same period.
Talking during the launch of Tourism month, Van Schalkwyk called on South Africans to be “tourists in their own country” and to enjoy on their doorstep that which attracts millions of foreign tourists each year.
“When domestic tourism grows, we create a nation of tourism ambassadors who are knowledgeable and speak positively about our destination, who warmly welcome foreign tourists, and are helpful when they meet visitors,” he said.
According to the minister, there are nearly 2.5 million special offers to the South African public during Tourism Month, which is aimed at making leisure breaks even more accessible and affordable.
The special offer vouchers, which include discounts on rates at accommodation establishments and a range of leisure travel activities countrywide, will be handed out to the thousands of visitors expected at the Getaway Show at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg, this weekend.
The vouchers will be redeemable from today.
An additional 4 400 vouchers will be distributed on South African Tourism’s Vaya Mzansi Facebook page, www.facebook.com/vayamzansi.
There are also other initiatives in place this month with the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) and South African Hidden Treasures running the Green ID Specials.
The campaign allows any individual who produces his or her South African Identity Document (Green ID) a discount of up to 50% on the participating product on World Tourism Day September, 27.
Domestic travellers can choose from a variety of accommodation establishments, game lodges, museums, restaurants, and adventure activities such as canopy trails, paragliding, and a cheetah experience.
There is even a theatre production on offer.
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