Hon Deputy Speaker, hon members, having waited patiently for this legislation promised since 2009 when the state President declared the Department of Tourism as a stand alone department. Cope is however satisfied that the delay turned out to be a blessing in disguise in that the final product is a result of extensive consultation by the national department and also by the committee though under pressure to meet deadlines by the presiding officers to process the Bill quickly.
The portfolio committee managed to conduct public hearings from the many submissions received. This provided an opportunity for meaningful interaction with a variety of stakeholders. With more time at our disposal we could have done more. I say this being aware that the Speaker of the National Assembly has previously pronounced his concern on the quality of legislation passed by this House, legislation that has successfully been challenged in courts of law for one reason or another. Thus in processing this Bill the committee endeavoured to ensure that it passes the test.
The preamble to the Bill identifies the following as the most pervasive challenges facing the development and growth of tourism in South Africa, these are: inadequate, unco-ordinated, inconsistent and fragmented planning and provision of information in the tourism sector. This speaks to inadequate co-ordination among the three spheres of government and the private sector. In my opinion, the Bill, among others, attempts to address these shortcomings. Visible success, however, will depend on implementation, thus the buck stops with civil servants.
Section 4 of the Bill obliges the Minister to adopt a National Tourism Sector Strategy but after a consultation process open to the public, business and any interested persons. The Minister must also consider any representations. Public hearings emphasised the lack of accessibility of information in tourism. This is the reason with regards to information provision. The committee amended section 5 replacing the word may with must in order to oblige the Minister to establish a national tourism information and monitoring system which will collect, record, manage, analyse and disseminate information and data on tourism. Details of how to effect this are spelt out in section 6.
The Bill also authorises the Minister to set norms and standards after consultation with the provincial MECs and ensured public participation by publishing these in two newspapers circulating nationally and one newspaper circulating in the province. Cope supports the principle of consultation by the Minister and public participation as contemplated in a number of sections in the Bill where applicable.
The provision of a bridging clause which is section 9, ensures the continued existence of the South African Tourism Board which was established by the old Act. The board is an important organ as it is responsible for marketing South Africa both as a domestic and international destination. It must also market tourism products and facilities. It also acts as an advisory body to the Minister. It is important to note that the members of the board are appointed on the basis of their knowledge, experience or qualifications relating to the functions of the board.
The Bill authorises the Minister to develop a national grading system for tourism. This is essential for the maintenance and enhancement of standards and quality of services, facilities and products. This is a must if South Africa is to continue enjoying a consistent increase in the number of tourists visiting the country, thus contributing to job creation and to the gross domestic product, DGP. The grading system is managed by the Tourism Grading Council which is established in terms of section 29. The council then appoints a chief quality assurance officer. The committee's amendments to section 40 and 43 are aimed at strengthening the functioning of this portfolio in maintaining standards as this contributes to the growth and development of the industry.
Cope supports the designation as a tourism protector who becomes the link between the department, business, tourism and tourists. Tour guides as a direct contact with visitors to the country are a very important factor in the industry. Therefore, the Bill ensures that they are registered in their provinces by provincial registrars and the national registrar must maintain a database of all registered tour guides. The registration is valid for three years in all provinces. Cope supports the Bill. Thank you. [Applause.]