​I rise today to address this House in this centenary year of our former President, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Mama Albertina Sisulu and "Oom Bey" Naude, whose selfless efforts in struggle contributed to the democracy we enjoy today.  May their revolutionary spirit live on, particularly as we work tirelessly to transform our tourism sector for the benefit of all South Africans.

We have a beautiful country, with rich cultural diversity and spectacular natural attractions, giving us a solid foundation to grow tourism responsibly, sustainably, and inclusively. With a total of 1.6 million people employed across its wide value chain, tourism is a beacon of hope for so many people in our country who are without jobs and incomes.

​Tourism Ministers from across the continent yesterday adopted the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s program of work for Africa at the 61st meeting of the Commission for Africa in Abuja, Nigeria

​The implementation of IORA’s Blue Economy has potential to accelerate ocean-driven economic growth amongst its members. Coastal and Marine Tourism is continuously growing and provides valuable income for coastal communities world-wide. It also represents an important contributor to the economy of countries and for generating employment.

​The news of this delay will allay concerns of both international and domestic travellers and will reinforce our stance that South Africa’s tourism sector remains open for business, explained Minister Hanekom

The Deputy Minister of Tourism Elizabeth Thabethe was in the North West on 5 March 2018 as part of the Enterprise Development Awareness campaign, which started in Gauteng last month. The campaign aims to create an awareness of opportunities offered to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) through the Enterprise Development Programme by the Department of Tourism to ensure they become sustainable in the long term.

​Thank you for inviting me to address you today. I have always regarded effective engagement between our government and our leadership in tourism as a key factor in the success of tourism in our country.

Join me on a journey to some very special places in our country, places that tell a remarkable story for the whole world. Many international tourists, and some South Africans, would have experienced parts of the trip when they visited the tourist sites that relate the story of our first democratic President on Mandela Day. I hope that many more will have an opportunity to do so before Mandela Month draws to a close.

​"The tourism sector welcomes the announcement of the ‡Khomani Cultural Landscape as South Africa's ninth World Heritage Site," said Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa today.

​The Minister of Tourism, Ms. Tokozile Xasa, together with the Minister of Communications, Ms. Ayanda Dlodlo, will attend the 46th Annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund International Convention in Chicago, United States. Under the theme, “Protecting, Defending and Gaining – A more perfect union”. The convention will take place from 12 to 14 July 2017. 

The Department of Tourism took part in the "Take a Girl Child to Work Day" campaign by hosting 28 school learners in the care of Tshwane Child Welfare at a careers expo in Sandton. The theme for this year's campaign is 'Dream, Believe and Achieve'.

​The National Department of Tourism has become aware of a fraud which attempts to extract funds from companies and organisations by impersonating as Minister Tokozile Xasa on LinkedIn.

​We want to utilise this budget to ensure tourism rises and that people of SA rise with it (Inclusive growth). This is in line with the UN declaration of 2017 as the year for sustainable tourism development. It calls for the mobilisation of the tourism industry, its stakeholders, partners, from National, Provincial and local government, International organisations and the private sector to work together towards the development and promotion of tourism that is economically beneficial, environmentally friendly, socially equitable and culturally responsive. ​

​​ Minister Xasa will serve as a panelist of a Round Table on “Sustainable Urban Tourism” which will take place today. This debate will be held within the framework of the United Nation’s International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

​Tourism is a significant and critical component of the South Africa and global economy. The growth in this sector has been so steady, yet silently churning in the background while the rest of the economy has been volatile.  Subsequently, it has been identified as one of the six key growth sectors in the New Growth Path.  This is evidenced by its contribution to the GDP which measures 3.9% - more than most labour-intensive sectors.

​The Department of Tourism in partnership with the Robben Island Museum (RIM) will host the International Tourist Guiding Celebrations at Robben Island – Western Cape.   Themed "Peace and Development through Guiding,"

​The World Federation of Tourist Guides Associations (WFTGA) has appointed a South African tourist guide as its new President. Alushca Ritchie, a registered tourist guide for the Western Cape, was appointed to head the internationally recognised body at the 17th biennial World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Convention which took place in Tehran, Iran, recently.

“This has come as a big shock to the community of Vilakazi Street, and to the tourism industry,” said Minister Hanekom. “I would like to express my condolences to the family of Mr Kwezi Hudson on their loss, and to the owner Mr Sakhumzi Maqubela.​

​The Department of Tourism will host the Local Government Tourism Conference (LGTC) from 3 to 4 April 2017 at Emperors Palace in Gauteng. Taking place under the theme, “Tourism Planning is Everybody’s Business,’’ the conference will provide a platform for the public and private sector to engage and map a way forward for tourism development at local government.

​The Department of Tourism welcomes the recent release of the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) for South Africa showing that tourism consistently grew the number of tourism jobs, while continuing to make a 3% direct contribution to GDP.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Tokozile Xasa in partnership with the City of Tshwane will host the Women in Tourism Conference aimed at addressing economic issues and sharing information for economic empowerment amongst women in the sector.

​Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom has welcomed the appointment of Mr Sisa Ntshona as the Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism. The appointment has been approved by the Cabinet and was announced today by the Chairperson of the SA Tourism Board, Dr Tanya Abrahamse.

​As 2015 draws to a close, we as the Tourism family would like to extend our warmest wishes to the nation, the continent and our international visitors and to say thank you for making tourism the successful sector that it is.

The President has also extended a warm welcome to international visitors who  come to South Africa during the festive season to enjoy the South African summer, beautiful scenery and top class facilities.

​Collaboration in the field of tourism was the main agenda item when the Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, recently visited Saudi Arabia for bilateral discussions with his counterpart, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President of Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH).

​The Minister of Tourism, Mr Derek Hanekom, will be visiting the Shark Cage Diving and Canopy Tour tourist sites

​The Mthatha Visitor Information Centre Project was funded in 2010 by the Department of Tourism for a budget of R13, 059 000.00 under its Social Responsibility Implementation Programme. The project created 28,786 job opportunities.

​Africa is a continent with amazing tourism offerings and huge growth potential. Our continent’s vibrant cities, rich cultural diversity and splendid natural beauty provide the backdrop for what I believe will be a decade of significant growth in travel and tourism.

Empowering Young Women to Lead Change is designed to support the development of young women’s skills and to enable them to provide leadership on the issues that concern them. It is important to ensure that young women are in leadership positions and they are given latitude to have meaningful participation in decision-making.

​Developing a strong and growing SMME community is a priority of the National Development Plan’s (NDP) vision. SMMEs are expected to be central to South Africa’s job creation efforts and economic development, in line with national priorities and international trends.

​The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Tokozile Xasa, will proudly officiate the exciting launch of Greater Edendale Tourism Emerging Businesses as well as the Homestay Programme.

​The Department of Tourism, in partnership with The City of Tshwane, vowed to be at the forefront of women empowerment in the tourism sector during the Women in Tourism (WIT) Conference held at Premier Hotel in Pretoria on18 November, under the theme “Tourism Business Trends and where are the opportunities for Women?

​I am deeply grateful to have this opportunity to offer some views on Tourism in the company of so distinguished a gathering. We are also thankful to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the kind hospitality accorded to myself and the members of the South African delegation.

​As you know, over the past 20 years, tourism has experienced continued and steady growth in South Africa and has undergone such a ‎diversification in our country to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors. ‎Modern tourism’s success depends on, and is closely linked to skills development. It has subsequently been identified as one of the economic pillars.

​It is a tremendous honour for me to be here today. What I see in front of me is awe-inspiring. You are on the cusp of blooming – just like buds.  You are ready to be of service to the hospitality industry and to blossom. You are the future of this country. And I am so proud of you

​The Department of Tourism in collaboration with the City of Tshwane, will host the “Women in Tourism” conference event under the theme “Tourism Business trends and where the opportunities are for women.”

​"Our award-winning places, products and programs demonstrate the leadership role South Africa is playing in developing and implementing responsible tourism,"

​Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Tokozile Xasa, will officiate over the ceremony where more than a hundred and fifty (150) students will receive their CATHSSETA accredited National Certificate in Accommodation Services NQF Level 2, and National Certificate in Food and Beverages NQF level 4.

​The recommendations will be implemented in a phased approach, and will make it easier for tourists to travel to South Africa without compromising national security or the safety of children.

​The flight will provide Chinese tourists with a wider choice of options to travel to South Africa. It will improve connectivity to the region, and the entire African continent, through code sharing with South African Airways.

​South Africa today joined global tourism leaders in adopting a declaration to create more jobs and strengthen skills development in the tourism sector.

​Young travellers make up about 20 percent of the one billion tourists that are now traversing the globe. That’s a massive 200 million people, and it is growing every year. By 2020, about 320 million people under the age of 35 will be enjoying the benefits of travel.

​I am really delighted to be part of this very important Summit, especially because it is taking place in Africa for the first time. On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, I would like to warmly welcome global aviation and airport leaders, and all delegates, to Africa, our beautiful continent; to South Africa, our magnificent country; to the spectacular province of KwaZulu-Natal and, to the warm city of Durban.

​Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Tokozile Xasa, will be visiting the Vergenoeg area in East London where she and the community will be cleaning and painting the household of Mama Nopasile Haloti marking the closure of the Women’s Month.

​A United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) working group chaired by Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom has led to the United Nations (UN) establishing a new facility to grow tourism in developing countries.

​The National Department of Tourism has identified sport, and in particular, golf, as a revenue-rich niche tourism opportunity. By aligning the two activities we are able to package our nature, wildlife, unique cultures and warm people to provide visiting golf enthusiasts with an enriching travel experience that they would not find easily anywhere else in the world.

​Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms. Tokozile Xasa, highlighted the fact that women need to be in the forefront of the sector as they are the backbone of the industry. “UNWTO has confirmed that women have the highest percentage of representation in the industry, however, women still only represent one fifth of all tourism ministers and tourism board chairs globally”.

​In March 2016, the Department of Tourism will launch the Executive Development Programme for women in the tourism sector. This follows the study conducted in 2011 by the Tourism B-BBEE Charter Council to assess the state of transformation in the tourism sector.

​Located in the metro-south east of the City of Cape Town, the False Bay Ecology Park will be a key component of the City’s Biodiversity Network, and is set to provide recreational and environmental education opportunities for local communities and surrounding schools.

​Not only is it a pleasure for me to be here with you today, it is also a great honour to be a part of the revitalization of the Royal St. Andrews Hotel. This is yet another jewel in the crown of the Sunshine Coast of South Africa.

​The Department of Tourism in collaborations with the City of Tshwane, will host the “Women in Tourism” Breakfast event under the theme “Opening the Doors for Young Women in Tourism.”

​Minister Derek Hanekom kick started tourism month celebrations with a two-day visit to Limpopo where he engaged with tourism business owners, industry stakeholders and academics. The Minister hosted a Business Breakfast event in Polokwane, and Public Lecture in Thohoyandou on issues concerning domestic tourism growth and increasing South Africa’s competitiveness in the global market.

​All the nominees have added to the value chain of the business events industry in some way. The clients you have impressed will talk about their experience to others when they get back home. If their experiences are extraordinary, if they get real value for their money, and if they get exceptional service, they will spread the word and tell others to visit South Africa. And that’s what we want.

​Government values the effort that the people working in hospitality put in every day to take care of our tourists. By providing excellent service and creating memorable experiences for our visitors, you have ensured that South Africa enjoys one of the highest repeat visitor rates in the world.

​The future of our country lies in the hands of our Youth! Without a focus on developing this specific group, we have no foundation on which to build. The key question I would like to pose to you today, as we launch the 7th annual National Tourism Careers Expo, is this: How are we as a country ensuring that the youth of South Africa are empowered to seize their destiny and create for themselves a life that is better than their ancestors.

​Indonesia has a heritage as a trading region since before the 7th century, and as such international relations must be second-nature to the people of this diverse nation. It is little wonder then that we have found such a warm reception to our proposal for engagements between our two countries on the topic of tourism growth.

​This type of milestone achievement for both our countries is about saying joyously “we have come so far, and we are proud of our journey to secure the future of all our people.” I would like to congratulate you on this achievement on behalf of all my fellow South Africans.

​May I say that it is a privilege for me to be able to address you today, and to give you some insight into the reasons why we have prioritised this tourism trade roadshow to South East Asia.

​As developing nations, South Africa and Malaysia have a great deal in common. Both our countries stand at the frontier of a very exciting time in our respective histories, as we continue to go from strength to strength in our economic development.

​Ladies and gentlemen, each September we celebrate Tourism Month in South Africa, and we celebrate World Tourism Day together with the rest of the world on September 27th. What makes the month of September so special in our South African calendar, is that we are also celebrating our heritage, culminating on National Heritage Day on September 24th, a day when many of our attractions are open to the public free of charge.

​There is simply nothing more powerful than tourism to bring people together. We, and the rest of the continent, continue to make rapid progress in claiming our rightful share of the global tourism market. And right now is the time when we most need to stand together. I know that 2015 has been a really tough year for your businesses, with tourist arrivals seeing declines year on year from almost all markets.

​Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, has announced the appointment of highly respected government administrator Victor Tharage to the post of Director-General of the Department of Tourism.

​The community of Mitchells Plain has derived lasting benefits from Mandela Day activities aimed at supporting the youth, elderly people and those who are physically challenged.

​It is an honour and a privilege to be in the company of key players in the business events industry. This year’s theme: "It’s business – it’s personal" really resonates with me. I firmly believe that the best business done is business driven by passion, conducted with personal integrity, and sincere belief in the greater good.

​St Patricks school, here in the rural Eastern Cape, has a proud track record of matric pass rates. 96% in 2012; 98% in 2013 and 100% in 2014. This can be compared with, and is even better than, many of the schools in big cities who have far better access to resources.

​Mandela Day is not only about doing good - it is about service and it is an opportunity to build upon his lifelong belief that we must live to serve every day, in whatever we do. We also salute the amazing caregivers here today that help you get through your treatments.

​Fundamentally, Mandela Day creates an opportunity for all people, irrespective of their economic, social or political to work together to confront social ills within their communities and to build a better world.

​The event is an initiative of the Nyandeni Local Municipality, aimed at recognising and celebrating the successful achievements of the grade 12 class of 2014.   St Patricks was the top school in the Eastern Cape that achieved a 100% grade 12 pass rate in 2014.

​Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Tokozile Xasa, will tomorrow visit Bulungula Lodge, a community run project at Nqileni Village in the Eastern Cape.

​KINSHASA (DRC) – Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom and his counterpart in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mr Elvis Mutiri wa Bashara, have signed an agreement that will strengthen ties between the two countries and promote cooperation in the field of tourism.

​In honour of Mandela Day later this week, The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, together with the Hilton Sandton, will be visiting the children's renal unit at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital (Joburg General).

​Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, heeded the call to action by government in the run up to the celebration of Mandela day. This is a call to action for the world to participate to be inspired by the theme by contributing 67 minutes of our time to help those in need.

​We have a strong and vibrant cultural diversity and this includes tangible and intangible culture and heritage tourism products in the form of the arts, crafts, festivals, indigenous knowledge systems, oral history, storytelling and folklore, heritage sites, natural heritage, to name but a few.  And we need to share that with the world.

​In honour of Mandela Day later this week, The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, together with some members of the community, will be spending their 67 minutes in cleaning and painting the home of an 82-year old pensioner, Vumile Ndlebende, in the Mbekweni Township close to Fort Jackson.

​The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, will be attending and thereafter addressing a live DVD recording of a stage production entitled “Innocent Africa: The Battle of the Sexes”. This is to promote cultural and heritage tourism through youth development.

I am very proud to be here with you today as we pay tribute to these 27 young people from the Limpopo Province who took up the challenge to train as Food Safety Assurers, and have succeeded with flying colours.

​Distinguished guests, thanks so much for taking time out of your busy lives to celebrate with us the launch of the Tourism Buddies Programme of the Department's Social Responsibility Implementation Skills Development programmes, we will make every effort to keep it short and sweet.

​Tourism is government- led, industry driven with community participation. It has the greatest potential to develop relationships that impact on political, social and economic development in the country. The symbiotic relationship amongst the three continues to grow and is key for us to realise government's commitment to growing the economy and jobs.

​Tourism is making a huge contribution to South Africa’s economy, and is creating hope and opportunity for many, many people in our country. It is arguably the sector of our economy with the greatest competitive advantage.

​At its sixth meeting, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Working Group on Official Development Assistance (ODA), chaired by the Minister of Tourism in South Africa, Minister Derek Hanekom, approved in principle the creation of a Tourism for Development Facility (TDF) at the UNWTO.

​The office of the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokoxile Xasa, deeply mourns the passing of one of its strongest brand ambassadors – Anitha Soni, who died this weekend.

​South Africa’s business events strategy is focused on attracting events in 6 economic sectors that have been identified by our government as priorities for future development

​The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, will be delivering an address at the Careers at Hilton Live Event. This is to mark the hotel group's "Youth in Hospitality Month" and it's commitment towards alleviating poverty through its training and developing initiatives.

In line with the National Development Plan, our focus is on inclusive economic growth and job creation. Tourism is recognised as one of the main drivers of the country’s economy and employment. The sector is also recognised as one of the six core pillars of growth in the New Growth Path.

The tourism budget for 2015/16 is R1,8 billion. Considering that this represents only 0,13% of the total budget, we are doing extremely well. According to the latest economic impact report published by the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism contributed 9.4% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product in 2014, and almost 10% to employment.

​Media is invited to the Budget Vote briefing session of the Minister of Tourism Mr Derek Hanekom, on 14 May 2015 at 09h00

​Without any doubt, we are confident that over the past three years we have showcased tourism as a career and the employer of choice to young people and indeed this platform will help create a pool of future tourism practitioners that will be the workers of the tourism industry.

​We would like to encourage women-owned tourism enterprises to apply for the support offered under the TIP. The support for tourism grading and market access is only the start. In the years ahead, we will refine and expand the programme to support the accelerated transformation and growth of tourism enterprises. We are already planning a new programme subsidise tourism enterprises to retro-fit their facilities with renewable and more efficient energy systems.

​INDABA 2015 is really big. We have just over 1000 exhibitors from 20 African countries, and about 2000 buyers from the world’s tourism source markets. We also have about 750 members of the media at this event. You – our trade partners, buyers, exhibitors, media partners and other stakeholders – are the people who make it big.  And it is you who make tourism the exciting, growing sector that it is.

​Issues pertaining to the growth and development of tourism in the African continent featured highly on the agenda at the round table discussion, hosted by Minister Derek Hanekom, on the eve of the official opening of the Pan-African Tourism INDABA 2015 in Durban.

SAT is the tourism marketing arm of government. It positions South Africa as a destination of choice both internationally and domestically. Marketing plays a pivotal role for the tourism sector, enabling it to be a lead contributor to economic growth in the country.

​It is a pleasure for me to be here with you today and to pledge our support for this initiative. South Africa has a strong and vibrant cultural diversity and this includes tangible and intangible culture and heritage tourism products in the form of the arts, crafts, festivals, indigenous knowledge systems, oral history, storytelling and folklore, heritage sites, natural heritage, to name but a few. Indeed, we have a rich and vivid history, ideal for cultural tourism.

​Many of us who serve in tourism in South Africa feel extremely privileged and blessed. We feel blessed because of the many amazing tourism assets we have in our country: the beauty of our diverse landscapes, our wildlife and biodiversity, our people and our cultural diversity, and our rich heritage of ancient and recent history.

​Democratic South Africa is premised on respect for human rights and the rule of law. This foundation is inspired by its African values and an appreciation of the power of human solidarity, visibly demonstrated by all our friends across the world and in particular within the continent in our effort to end apartheid.

​It is an honour for me to join you today at the second World Travel Market Africa Exhibition and I would like to extend a very warm South African welcome to you all.

​South African Tourism held its Ubuntu Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Museum of Natural History in New York. The Ubuntu Awards recognize the top contributors to the tourism industry in South Africa.

​Launching the Stony Point Eco-Centre in the Overstrand region of the Western Cape today, Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom said the new centre and the adjoining restaurant was an important asset for tourism, for nearby communities and for conservation efforts.

The community of Cannon Rocks in the Ndlambe Municipality of the Eastern Cape today becomes the proud owners of hospitality facilities that will increase its readiness to host foreign and domestic tourists, and boost revenue from tourism activities.

​Minister Derek Hanekom, will officially launch and handover facilities constructed at the Stony Point Eco Centre by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Western Cape Oversrand Municipality.  The Stony Point Eco Centre is an initiative solely owned by the members of the Mooiuitsig community, and poised to attract more domestic and international visitors once it has been launched.

​It is also fitting that we are launching the Madiba App in a very important month in our country, a month when we celebrate freedom and democracy.

​Conference Theme: “Tourism: A Catalyst for Local Economic Growth, Job Creation and Transformation”.

Allow me to add my own word of welcome to every one of you participating in this extremely important conference. I am confident that we are all determined to accelerate the pace of transformation in every sector of our economy, in every region of our country, and among all our communities who aspire to a better life. I am also confident that we will use this conference as an opportunity to explore ways of both harnessing the potential of tourism to transform the lives of people, and to seek effective ways of achieving positive transformation in the sector itself.

It is truly a privilege to be here with you today, especially in these absolutely magnificent surrounds.The past few weeks, since my appointment to this exciting portfolio, have been a sheer whirlwind of activity.  One thing has become quite obvious to me, is that South Africa’s tourism sector is a vibrant one, thanks in no small part to people like you, in this room, who have shown your unequivocal commitment to making this industry grow.

Who would not be touched by Alan Paton’s famous quote from Cry the Beloved Country: “There is a lovely road that runs from Ixopo into the hills. These hills are grass-covered and rolling, and they are lovely beyond any singing of it. The road climbs seven miles into them, to Carisbrooke; and from there, if there is no mist, you look down on one of the fairest valleys of Africa.”

As we move TOWARDS 20years of Democracy from 3million in 1994 to 13.5 million arrivals to date! The Minister has highlighted that we are presenting our Budget Vote with a backdrop of a favourable tourism growth of 10.2% in 2012.  Such development are a clear indication that this Administration made the right decision by identifying tourism as one of the top six priority areas in the New Growth Path, strictly focussing on the promotion of economic development and job creation in South Africa.