Green IDs open local tourism doors

Domestic tourism contributed more than 70% of SA's total tourism volume last year, giving the economy a R20bn boost, making it an increasingly important component of the overall tourism mix, and highlighting the need for a robust domestic tourism industry.

Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk says: "There is huge room for growth in the domestic market. It has been neglected in the past but countries with a successful tourist industry have a very strong domestic market."

"We must protect and grow the domestic market and all South Africans need to become tourists in their own country and to experience what millions of international tourists are drawn to annually - the sheer beauty of their land, its rich culture and heritage, and the warmth and hospitality of their fellow citizens."

TEP Chief Executive, Dr Salifou Siddo says: "In line with the new Domestic Tourism Growth Strategy, TEP aims to implement exposure strategies to promote and enhance domestic tourism and thereby grow the sector, beginning with the Green ID Specials."

The campaign allows any individual who produces his or her South African Identity Document (Green ID) a discount of up to 50% on the participating product on World Tourism Day - 27 September 2012.

Products from all nine provinces are participating and domestic travellers can choose from a variety of accommodation establishments, game lodges, museums, restaurants, and adventure activities such as canopy trails, paragliding, and a cheetah experience. There is even a theatre production for those who are less adventurous.

By encouraging the use of tourism products by domestic travellers, much needed exposure is given to small and medium tourism businesses that offer great experiences at an affordable price. The ripple effect of such product uptake is increased staff requirements, which aligns itself with the job creation mandate of the TEP.

The campaign is planned to be an annual event and will be launched at the Getaway Show in Johannesburg (August 31 to September 02) as part of the commencement of Tourism Month.

To view the specials available, please visit www.sahiddentreasures.co.za or www.tep.co.za and click on Green ID Specials to view the place, price and pictures. Or join in the conversation on www.facebook.com/GreenIDSpecials

Additional products wanting to participate can do so by contacting Barbara Sentongo on az.oc.pet@sarabrab or call +27 (0) 11 880 3790.

About TEP:

TEP is a twelve year old public private partnership with a mandate of enterprise development and job creation. Funded through the National Department of Tourism a Corporate South Africa, TEP has invested more than R500m to support approximately 4000 tourism SMMEs. This has resulted in more than 70 000 jobs being created and more than R5 billion in additional turnover being generated by these SMMEs.

About South African Hidden Treasures:

South Africa is a country of great diversity; a melting pot of heritage and cultural practices all showcased in our varied music, dance, arts, cuisine, lifestyles and sports. The need to make this melting pot accessible to both domestic and international travellers led to the establishment of South African Hidden Treasures.

Spread across South Africa's nine provinces, a collection of 150 Hidden Treasures features genuinely top-notch, cutting edge, and unmistakably South African experiences and products that travellers can mix and match to create their ultimate art, adventure, food, or heritage itinerary.

This is travel that engages the senses, stimulates the mind, exposes visitors to unique activities and connects on an emotional, spiritual or intellectual level.

Participating products:

New products are continually added. For an updated list please visit www.sahiddentreasures.co.za or www.tep.co.za.