Tourism Month 2011 focuses on exciting cultural events

Stakeholders and media gathered at Look-out Hill in Khayelitsha this week, where they were informed about the exciting Tourism Month events on the calendar, under the theme: "Tourism - Linking Cultures".

Tourism's contribution

Alan Winde, Western Cape Tourism MEC commented: "Figures from South African Tourism show that in 2009 the tourism industry contributed R67.990 million to the country's economy and created 538 394 direct jobs. As soon as the figures are out for 2010, I am confident that it will show an improvement, after hosting a highly successful 2010 FIFA World Cup. South Africa's people are its biggest asset and visitors are attracted to Cape Town and the Western Cape because of the deep sense of culture and heritage that we exhibit. The theme for Tourism Month 2011, "Tourism - Linking Cultures", gives us the opportunity to showcase just how unique our people and culture makes us as a travel destination. I would like to call on all Western Cape residents to become ambassadors for the destination because together, we can make our tourism industry better."

From tourists, jobs

Calvyn Gilfellan, CTRU CEO explained that the tourism industry remained the backbone of the country's economy: "According to research, for every twenty-eight tourists that visit our beautiful destination, one job is created. The tourism industry holds immense value for both the province and country. One of the offerings that we promote is the diverse and rich mix of cultures in the Western Cape and September gives us a chance to showcase this. "

To view the events that you can look forward to, refer to the Tourism Month Calendar.