By: Buhle Mbhele
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has assured Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Tourism that there is no crisis at South African Tourism, despite the recent appointment of an interim board.
This comes after six interim board members were nominated by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa to oversee the entity until a new permanent board is appointed. The appointments follow a period of leadership instability at the organisation.
Addressing the committee, De Lille said both the public and private sectors remain committed to the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, a collaborative framework aimed at boosting tourism’s contribution to the economy.
She confirmed that an execution lab has been established to drive the implementation and monitoring of the plan. The strategy is centred on key focus areas such as destination marketing, improved air access, enhanced visitor experience, support for small tourism enterprises, and stronger collaboration between government and the private sector.
De Lille said the plan reflects a unified approach to revitalising the tourism industry, creating jobs, and attracting investment
