SA has largest travel and tourism sector in Africa, says global body

SA has the largest travel and tourism sector in Africa, contributing about R426bn to the local economy in 2018. According to new research by the World Travel and Tourism Council published on Monday, the sector is responsible for 1.5-million jobs, or 9.2% of total employment in SA. President Cyril Ramaphosa has set an ambitious target of 21-million tourist arrivals in SA by 2030. Five years ago the country welcomed 9,549,236 tourists, up from 9,536,568 the previous year. Earlier in 2019, the president said 18 sectors with the potential to create jobs were identified, describing them as the “holy grail”. These include manufacturing, aerospace, mining, automotive industries, energy and tourism. “We must remove the obstacles and constraints for growth. SA must go and grasp that high growth. We can do so by working together and addressing the issues,” the president said. According to the council, the tourism industry has exceeded global economic averages in the past seven years. Accordin...