Chairperson and hon Minister, the ACDP welcomes yesterday's launch of the new Domestic Tourism Growth Strategy, which includes SA Tourism's new domestic marketing campaign with the tag line, "Whatever you are looking for, it's right here in South Africa". We know domestic tourism contributed 76% of South Africa's total volume in 2011 and contributed R20 billion to the country's economy, making a substantial contribution to creating and sustaining much-needed jobs. We therefore support the call for South Africans to be tourists in their own country and to experience what millions of international tourists are drawn to annually: the sheer beauty of the land, its rich culture and heritage and the warmth and hospitality of its citizens. Minister, you are quite right that many people only dream about coming to South Africa, yet our citizens are not taking full advantage of travelling and enjoying the many varied and beautiful attractions in our country. We trust that yesterday's initiative will address this. As far as foreign tourists are concerned, last year a record number of 8 million foreign visitors arrived in this country - more than those who came during the Fifa Soccer World Cup tournament. There is, however, a view among industry stakeholders that South Africa has failed to implement a fully effective and integrated marketing strategy, with private sector associations, as well as national, provincial, regional and municipal tourism organisations, vying with one another to have their voices heard. Hon Minister, to what degree has the National Tourism Sector Strategy announced last year ensured a national focus and the integration and alignment of efforts by all involved in the tourism industry to address the view held by certain stakeholders?
The question also arises whether sharply rising hospitality costs in South Africa, referred to by various speakers, have been a disincentive to visit the country, the perception being that the country is no longer a cheap destination. The rand's general strengthening has also been a disadvantage to foreign tourists. Of course, one should also consider the cost of air travel and how those costs can be kept down, considering that South Africa is a long-haul destination and that airline costs are dependent on the oil price.
We share your concerns about the EU's common tax on airlines flying in and out of Europe. On the positive side, there is a significant rise in Indian and Chinese visitors, which is to be welcomed and encouraged. However, there does appear to be a challenge for Home Affairs when it comes to distinguishing between legitimate Chinese tourists and potential illegal immigrants, and this has to be addressed.
A competitive tourism industry is vital if we are to realise the objective of increasing the number of visitors to 15 million by 2020, and the ACDP is fully behind all efforts to achieve that goal. We support this Budget Vote, and wish to thank all the officials in this department for their hard work and commitment - well done in regard to the unqualified audit!