Gauteng Business 2017-18

Page 54

OVERVIEW

Tourism Major new investments in tourism are under way.

G

auteng is visited by more than half of the visitors to South Africa and is primarily known for business or retail tourism. The province aims to be a “Gateway to Africa” and the “Home of Champions”, a reference to the hosting of sporting events. Cultural and history tourism are very well catered for, with more than 60 museums and art galleries in the province, including the acclaimed Apartheid Museum. Other major facilities range from the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (Transvaal Museum), Museum Africa in Johannesburg’s cultural Newtown precinct and the South African Military History Museum to the National Cultural History Museum. Kliptown in Soweto is the site of the signing of the Freedom Charter. An urban regeneration project has seen the development of the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication. Constitution Hill is an old prison converted to house the country’s most important court, and several important old buildings have been restored around it. The provincial authorities have recently expanded infrastructure at the Maropeng Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site to accommodate the increase in tourism numbers after the exciting discovery of Homo naledi. Paleology is the hot science of the moment and even more visitors are expected. GAUTENG BUSINESS 2017/18

52

SECTOR INSIGHT Marriott International will spend R1-billion on hotels at Melrose Arch. • Sun International’s Times Square and Casino in Tshwane is a R4.2-billion project. The nearby Sterkfontein caves, owned by the University of Witwatersrand, have long been a source of great archaeological finds. The university’s own Origins Centre in Johannesburg is well equipped and provides more fascinating insight into the origins of mankind through art and science. The centre hosts superb representations of Khoi and San rock art. Another site where South Africa’s history is on display is at


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.