Tourism set for exponential growth

Gauteng is South Africa's smallest province, but it is no secret that it is the country's largest contributor towards the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Being a top contender for attracting tourists is one of the province's lesser-known successes. As 2010 draws near, Gauteng is getting ready to receive the influx of visitors to the country.

Gauteng's role as primary receiver of foreign arrivals to South Africa means the GTA considers it of primary importance that tour operators are well informed and able to effectively assist visitors to our shores. "It is essential that visitors to Gauteng are left with an excellent impression of the province through their experience here," says Pule Malefane, acting CEO. "First impressions are important and often lasting, so it is our aim to ensure that the impressions that visitors get will be so wonderful, that they'll want visit again."

As such, the GTA and South African Tourism have hosted a range of prestigious events such as the renowned Meetings Africa held at the end of February. The convention serves as a way for business people in the industry to come together and compare standards and ideas in order to keep abreast of changes and situations being experienced by their peers.

Meetings Africa also marks the awards season for the industry with the Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (ETEYA). This year saw three nominees who had been mentored by the GTA earn recognition for achieving excellence in the tourism industry. Created and run by South African Tourism (SAT), the awards are intended to enhance job creation, financial sustainability and encourage product development for black SMMEs in the tourism sector.

From February to July 2009, Gauteng tour operators and other tourism officials also have a wide range of fascinating lecture topics available to them. Offering them a chance to extend their knowledge about the country and province, the lecture series is a part of GTA's mission to upgrade the skills and knowledge, as well as to ensure that the province is able to serve as a worthy ambassador for the country.

The GTA and University of Witwatersrand have encouraged tour operators to attend the lecture series by offering a range of topics as well as a formal Wits Certificate of Participation to those who complete the full series. Some of the topics already covered are `The Origin of Humankind, Evolution and Migration Theories' and `The Gauteng Economy and its significance for SA and Africa'. This week will see the lecture series entitled `SA Political History' taken by Professor Daryl Glaser. There will be seven more sessions to follow.

At present tourism contributes an estimated 8.2% (R79bn) to the GDP nationally. This is expected to rise to 12% over the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer. Gauteng's performance in the tourism sector is at the top of the provincial log with 10.6% growth since 2003. However, service standards need to match up to ensure continued growth in this sector.

"With the increasing professionalism of the tourism sector, we hope to ensure the steady increase of visitors to the country so that there is continued growth in job availability in Gauteng," Malefane explains. "The tourism sector is a major area for growth and development in the years beyond 2010."