CRIME and grime contributes to stagnation of tourism growth.
This was revealed by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, when tabling key developments and decisions arising from the recent Executive Council meeting, to members of the press.
Ahead of the much vaunted G20 Summit to be held in November in Joburg this year, the Premier reiterated that efforts to create a safer, cleaner, and more vibrant Gauteng are central to attracting visitors, stimulating economic activity, and positioning the province as a premier destination for both local and international travellers.
“High levels of crime and grime affect our ability to leverage better the value and potential of tourism and the visitor economy broadly which includes sporting and the creative sector.
It is a serious reputation and positive brand killer with effects impacting residents, visitors and the broader tourism revenue,” says Lesufi.
The revitalization of the CBD tasked to the Presidential Working Group will assist with improved safety and security and aesthetic improvements that will make the city more attractive and enjoyable for tourism.
“Tourism is a service industry and is highly dependent on skills to deliver a quality experience for our visitors,” he continued.
To this end, the Gauteng Provincial Government has proposed strategic partnerships with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) to fund a massive skills development and job creation programme.
Talk of strategic partnership- The People’s Republic of China’s Hunan Province, has agreed with Gauteng to trade on exporting high-demand products such as nuts, rooibos tea, biltong, honey, moringa, and wine to a market of over 66 million people across 13 cities—without major trade restrictions, that would benefit SMMEs, locally.
Directly linked to tourism is the trusted tour operators programme currently being implemented by national department of tourism focusing on both China and India.
“Visitors’ numbers from China over the past years have increased tremendously and with the incorporation of our gambling, amusement park, scientific and paleo sciences attractions like the Planetarium and the reopening of the Sterkfontein Caves, oils the golden province’s offerings especially for the Chinese market,” noted GTA CEO- Sthembiso Dlamini.
As Gauteng positions itself as a leading destination for diverse tourism experiences – from heritage and business travel to music, sports, and wellness – the provincial government remains steadfast in its commitment to inclusive growth, safety, and innovation.
Meanwhile, Gauteng and KZN have recorded high sexual offences, though crime has slightly decreased, says the minister of Police- Senzo Mchunu, during his presentation on crime stats in the country, in Pretoria today.
