Nomazulu Moyo
DURBAN, South Africa – Apart from creating jobs, tourism was a huge earner of foreign currency, tourism minister Patricia de Lille has said.
De Lille said this in her keynote speech during the Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 in Durban.
She said tourism was a job creator, foreign exchange earner and also a driving force for inclusive growth and economic development across the continent.
From January to March 2024, South Africa had seen a significant influx of tourists, with 1.8 million arrivals from other African countries, making up nearly three-quarters of all visitors. This demonstrated the sector’s potential to revitalise economies and reduce poverty, de Lille said.
She however, pointed out that the airline industry, vital for sustainable tourism growth, faced significant challenges. While airlines connected the continent, the reality was that inter-African travel was still fraught with difficulties.
The minister called for action to make the Single African Air Transport Market and the Yamoussoukro Decision a reality, emphasising the need for open discussions and measurable outcomes. She highlighted the recent Aviation Summit initiated by South Africa’s Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga as a starting point for these crucial conversations.
King Shaka International Airport was presented as a success story, demonstrating how partnerships could address critical issues like infrastructure investment and air connectivity. Despite being 14-years-old, the airport remained a symbol of excellence and was continually improving.
de Lille announced a significant R21.7 billion investment by Airports Company South Africa to develop the nation’s airport infrastructure.
Monday’s dialogue aimed to bring together industry leaders to identify solutions and create opportunities for increased air connectivity within Africa.
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The minister urged a rethinking of development strategies in tourism, advocating for public-private partnerships and regional cooperation to implement impactful projects. She cited the Public-Private Partnership at Skukuza Airport as an innovative example praised by the World Bank.
In conclusion, De Lille called for a coordinated effort to simplify visa requirements and improve government policies to support the aviation industry’s growth. She highlighted the need for Africa to embrace technological advances and adapt quickly to new international routes to stimulate economic growth.
The speech was a clear call to action for African leaders and industry stakeholders to work together to overcome obstacles and harness the full potential of tourism and aviation for the continent’s prosperity.
