The National Department of Tourism is a governmental organization in South Africa that is responsible for developing and promoting tourism in the country. The department has a clear vision and mission, which guides its efforts in achieving its goals.
Vision
The vision of the National Department of Tourism is to create a sustainable and inclusive tourism sector that contributes to economic growth, job creation, and social transformation.
This vision highlights the importance of tourism as a driver of economic development and job creation. By ensuring that the tourism sector is sustainable, the department aims to promote long-term growth that benefits all stakeholders. Additionally, by prioritizing inclusivity, the department aims to ensure that all South Africans can benefit from the opportunities created by tourism.
Mission
The mission of the National Department of Tourism is to:
- Promote domestic and international tourism
- Create a conducive environment for investment in tourism
- Facilitate community participation in tourism development
- Ensure that tourism growth is environmentally sustainable
- Develop and implement policies to support the growth of the sector
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of tourism on the economy and society
These objectives are aligned with the department’s vision, as they aim to promote sustainable economic growth while ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from tourism. By promoting domestic and international tourism, the department aims to increase visitor numbers and generate more revenue for South Africa. Attracting investment in tourist infrastructure will further support this goal.
Facilitating community participation ensures that local communities are involved in shaping their own economic future through sustainable tourism development. This approach promotes social transformation by creating opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups.
Ensuring environmental sustainability means protecting natural resources from damage caused by over-tourism or inappropriate development. This objective supports long-term growth by preserving the very assets that attract tourists to South Africa.
Developing and implementing policies that support the growth of the tourism sector is crucial for creating an enabling environment for investment and promoting job creation. Finally, monitoring and evaluating the impact of tourism on the economy and society will provide insight into how well the department’s objectives are being met.
Conclusion
The National Department of Tourism has a clear vision and mission, which guide its efforts in developing and promoting tourism in South Africa. By prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, community participation, environmental protection, policy development, and monitoring and evaluation, the department aims to create a thriving tourism sector that benefits all stakeholders.