Hon Chairperson, Minister of Tourism, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, hon members and guests, the South African nation is a product of many streams of history and culture, representing the origins, dispersal and reintegration of humanity over hundreds of thousands of years. Archaeological findings in various parts of the country and the rest of Africa have located South Africa and the continent at large as the Cradle of Humankind and early forms of human civilisation.
From the earliest manifestations of intellectual activity, the settlements of pastoral communities characterised by foundries, artisanship and trade across oceans, the colonisation by Europeans, the slave trade and indentured labour, South Africa has emerged as one of the diverse nations on the globe. This is our collective national heritage.
ANC policy recognises that our cultural and heritage resources and facilities, including those that were previously neglected, should be popularised, preserved and democratised and be open and belong to all our people. It also follows that, because we are proud of our rich culture and heritage, we want the rest of the world to also feel, see and experience these national assets and treasures. It is also in this regard that the role of tourism in South Africa should be seen and appreciated.
The 2010 Budget was tabled within the context of a deep global crisis, brought on by the crisis in the financial sectors of developed countries. Though not immune to the ensuing global economic downturn, South African tourism has so far resisted the financial crisis better than many other sectors. There is growing evidence that tourism and travel can make a valuable contribution to the process of economic recovery.
The newly formed Department of Tourism is a testament to the ANC-led government's bold vision for the growth and development of the economy and tourism's fast-growing contribution to economic growth, human development and the creation of decent jobs. The department's aim to promote and develop responsible tourism, thereby increasing job and entrepreneurial opportunities and encouraging the meaningful participation of previously disadvantaged individuals, is laudable.
Responsible tourism is tourism that generates economic benefits for local people, enhances the wellbeing of host communities and makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. Responsible tourism is tourism that provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through meaningful connections with local people and is culturally sensitive through engendering respect between tourists and hosts to build local pride and confidence.
Tourism can make a significantly positive contribution to dealing with the challenges we face today by supporting the recovery of the economy and greening our activities to pursue a more balanced, sustainable and fair growth rate. In this endeavour, travel and tourism play a relevant part in which our unique nature, culture and traditions represent an exceptional comparative advantage.
Cultural heritage tourism is one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the multibillion rand international tourism industry. It is also an area in which South Africa is well placed to compete.
There are still many areas that remain undiscovered by tourists and these areas range from our cultural villages in deep rural areas to our heritage places that define our new democracy and the heart of South Africa's attractions.
It is important to note that South Africa is home to eight World Heritage Sites and all these places are of outstanding value to humanity. Four of these eight sites are cultural sites, with one being a mixed cultural and natural site. They are Robben Island, the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, the Cradle of Humankind and the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park.
Domestic and regional tourism is the backbone of a sustainable and robust tourism industry and should be unlocked by redefining the concept as a new, inclusive definition of South Africanness. Domestic tourists accounted for 77% of all tourists in South Africa last year. Over the three year period from 2006 to 2008, domestic tourists accounted for, on average, 79,6% of all tourists in South Africa.
The spread of tourism to include small towns and rural tourism as priority sectors in the growth of tourism is very important, as it will increase investment in the development of rural tourism products. The development of rural tourism comes with benefits such as the increased participation of the poor, involving ownership and management. This is also encouraged by the White Paper on the promotion of tourism, which contends that the prime tourism areas are not located in the cities but in the rural areas. This kind of tourism provides people in rural areas with the platform to showcase their talents as well as indigenous activities.
We are aware that the department will focus on ensuring the geographic spread of tourism that includes tourism in rural areas and involves rural communities. As far as this aspect is concerned, the department will also promote increased investment in the development of rural tourism products. It has already identified the development of niche products, such as cultural heritage tourism, as a priority. Instead of just looking at the national and provincial distribution of tourists, the department wants to start looking at the intra-provincial distribution, which would include small towns and rural areas.
Everything possible must be done to galvanise tourism job creation. In this respect, cultural heritage tourism can make a fundamental contribution, the benefits of which can be readily seen in terms of national image.
Every South African has reason to be proud of our rich heritage and the wide and colourful variety of our cultures. Cultural heritage tourism contributes millions to our economy, exposes hundreds of thousands of people to the reality of a great nation and gives them positive stories about South Africa to take back home with them to every country in the world. As resolved at Polokwane, the ubuntu principles must be integrated into public policy so as to celebrate our heritage landscape and the proud heritage of the indigenous people and to meet the need to accommodate diversity in our national heritage. The ANC supports the Budget Vote. I thank you. [Applause.]