TOURISM FUTURES

The province has untold mineral riches, impressive landscapes and vistas which are attracting increasing numbers of tourists who want to experience the rugged outdoors adventurous trips. Two great rivers and a sophisticated irrigation scheme supports high-value agriculture in crop production and livestock. The highest solar radiation levels South Africa and incredibly clear skies suitable for astronomy combine to create a unique destination which is already attracting investment.

Billions of rands have recently been invested in the solar power and radio astronomy fields invite other potential investors to investigate what we have to offer. South Africa’s investment is under way at the Gamsberg Zinc project and iron ore and manganese continue quantities. Between January 2011 and March 2016, the province received 486 foreign direct are underway to further boost investment prospects. The rail network is receiving university has opened in Kimberley and a lot of work is going in to creating competitive investors to join us on the journey to economic growth and prosperity.

Tourism is recognised for its immense potential and its significant contribution to the economy. The 1996 White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism affirmed South Africa’s approach to tourism as one which is “government-led, private-sector driven and community-based” and grounded in cooperation and close partnerships between all stakeholders. Government’s recognition of the critical importance of tourism in the economy is further evident in the sector’s inclusion as one of the priority areas in the initial Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP), the New Growth Path (NGP, 2010) and the National Development Plan (NDP, 2012).

The tourism sector is expected to make the requisite contribution to job creation and the continued growth of the economy. The NDP is the national framework for the development of the South African economy. It recognises tourism as a highly labour-intensive industry which stimulates the development of small businesses and which generates foreign direct investment and significant export earnings. Emphasis is placed on increasing the number of tourists entering South Africa and the amount spent; the availability of tourism infrastructure; positioning South Africa as a regional shopping and business centre; and ease of access by air and travel facilitation through favourable visa regimes.

The Northern Cape Provincial Growth and Development Plan recognises the importance of tourism and its contribution to the growth of the provincial economy and job creation. The provincial priorities identified for tourism growth include among others: effective marketing, transformation of the tourism industry and SMME development, tourism infrastructure development, tourism incentives and funding and unlocking the Oceans Economy.

Investing in the supply side of our tourism economy is a critical part of achieving the socio-economic benefits to be derived from tourism, such as increased market share of tourist arrivals, tourism competitiveness and the consequent increase in employment opportunities. We invite you to explore the many investment opportunities offered by the Northern Cape, and while in our province, take time to experience the splendour of its natural beauty and diversity.