The government National Growth Plan (NGP) identifies tourism as one of six core pillars of growth. The Industrial Policy Action Plan 2011/12 – 2013/14 (IPAP2) indicates the expectation for tourism to contribute to the development of rural areas and culture by growing the economy and creating jobs. The following focal areas are included in the Tourism Act:
- National Tourism Sector Strategy;
- National Tourism Information and Monitoring System;
- Information by tourism businesses;
- Norms and standards for tourism;
- Codes of good practice for tourism; and
- Tourism Protector.
These can only be developed with proper collaboration between the National Department of Tourism (NDT) and the provinces.
The organisational structure was designed to improve access to the various regions of the world (Branch International Tourism Management) and to provide guidance and coordination for the development of the tourism sector, focusing on each of the nine provinces (Branch Domestic Tourism Management).