Gauteng Tourism Summit

The tourism operating environment has changed substantially since the Gauteng Tourism Strategy was presented in 2007. The global economy has been hit by recessionary conditions, at least in the traditional 'Western' markets, and this has in turn impacted upon the South African economy - although the impact was delayed by the successful hosting of the 2010 World Cup. The South African Government has recently announced a new economic growth strategy which is driven by the imperative for job creation. Within the new growth strategy tourism has been recognised as not only a fundamental pillar and job creator but also as a major contributor to South Africa's global competitiveness.

The National Department of Tourism has responded to the elevated role of tourism with the publication of the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) which has set very ambitious targets such as penetrating the top 20 global ranking in terms of tourism competitiveness by 2020 and providing 225 000 additional sustainable jobs by 2015.

Provinces challenged

The Provinces have, in turn, been challenged to develop their own tourism strategies and action plans to ensure that the National targets are achieved. The Gauteng Economic Development Strategy provides the immediate context for the introduction of the Gauteng Tourism Strategy and, as per the National context; tourism is being elevated to a far greater level of significance.

On 21 and 22 July the Gauteng Tourism Authority and the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism are convening the 2011 Gauteng Tourism Summit in order that all key stakeholders are able to engage with the development of the Gauteng tourism strategy on a practical level. The intention is to facilitate greater understanding and to enrich the content of the strategy, but more specifically it is to obtain consensus as to how to take strategic theory and translate it into practical actions which will help Gauteng build a globally competitive tourism economy.

The Summit programme is designed to address the most pressing issues facing tourism in Gauteng today and will be professionally moderated by key industry leaders and experts. The interactive and dynamic sessions (including formal addresses, video conferencing, facilitated open Dialogues, and on-going digital research) will be presented in a highly interactive manner that encourages audience participation in debates and maximises innovative thinking and constructive interaction.