Wesgro, new single economic development delivery agency

He referred to the joint decision taken between him and the boards of Cape Town Routes Unlimited (CTRU) and Wesgro in December 2011, after both agencies agreed that incorporating trade, investment and tourism marketing under one roof would bring greater efficiency in these strained economic times. It would also ensure coordination of the Western Cape government's outward facing marketing initiatives.

Aggressive international marketing campaign

The combination of the financial and personnel resources will reportedly drive a far more aggressive international marketing campaign, with a unified brand focused on business and tourism. In addition, its combined research capabilities will gain more efficient and real time market data, which will drive its understanding of the global economy and positively affect its action plans and delivery.

This move has necessitated the winding down of CTRU. The CTRU board will continue as the oversight and legislative body, governing the legal mandate of CTRU and the functions of fulfilling the delivery mechanisms for the entity, until the Western Cape Tourism Act (Act 1 of 2004) is repealed. The board has entered into a service level agreement (SLA) with Wesgro to ensure that delivery of the CTRU functions is properly executed. As part of this transition, the permanent staff of CTRU will be absorbed into Wesgro to ensure continuity of functional delivery within Wesgro.

Expressing gratitude

The minister stated that on behalf of the provincial government, he would like to express his gratitude to the boards of CTRU and Wesgro, as well as to the CEOs of the respective agencies, for their commitment to ensuring a smooth transition.

He also thanked Peter Bacon, outgoing chairman of CTRU, for the work he has done and for his dedication and commitment and Calvyn Gilfellan, outgoing CEO, for his contribution to the tourism industry in the Western Cape and in South Africa.

The minister welcomed the new chairman, Deon Cloete, who brings with him vast experience in this industry.

The minister concluded by stating that he would like to assure all stakeholders and partners in the tourism industry that the ministry is committed to ensuring even better tourism destination marketing programmes and support. Tourism accounts for 10% of this province's GDP, making it very serious business and this move will allow the government to give this industry the attention it deserves.