announcements, tablings and committee reports - Parliament of ...

Tuesday, 29 October 2013] 48635.1.2 Key reported achievements.The Department was able to table the Tourism Bill in Parliament whichis currently being considered by the National Council of Provinces afterhaving been processed by the Portfolio Committee on Tourism.(i)Increased arrivalsIn line with government outcome 11, which is to create a better andsafer South Africa and world for all, there was an increase in thepercentage of arrivals to the country. The 2012 Tourism figuresannounced by President Jacob Zuma on the 25 th April 2013 indicatethat the Department and South African Tourism were able toachieve 9 188 368 international arrivals compared to 8 339 354 in2011, which was 10.2 percent increase against the internationalaverage of 4 percent.South Africa saw particularly good overseas tourist growth (touristsfrom outside of the African continent), which grew by 15.1 percent,one of the highest growth rates in the world last year. Europeremained the highest source of overseas tourists to South Africa,growing by 9.5 percent on 2011 figures and attracting a total of 1396 978 tourists to the country last year, more than half the totalnumber of overseas tourists.The United Kingdom continues to be South Africa’s biggestoverseas tourism market, with 438 023 UK tourists travelling toSouth Africa in 2012 (4.2 percent up on 2011 figures). The UnitedStates is South Africa’s second biggest overseas tourism market,with 326 643 tourists from the USA visiting in 2012 (up 13.6 percenton 2011 figures), with Germany the third biggest overseas marketwith 266 333 tourists (up 13 percent on 2011 figures). China hasbecome South Africa’s fourth biggest overseas tourism market, 132334 (up 55.9 percent on 2011 figures), with France now SouthAfrica’s fifth biggest overseas tourism market with 122 244 touristsin 2012 (up 16 percent on 2011 figures).The Chinese market in particular, needs a special attention. Thismarket has a potential to grow and South African Tourism shouldincrease their marking presence in China. A Chinese tourist isparticular with their tour packages, including travellingarrangements and cuisine. South African tourism industry shouldcater for tastes and preferences for this market. Market intelligenceindicates that, for example, the Chinese want exclusive golfexperience, they are particular about the equipment they use forgolf and so they bring their own equipment; in a five day itinerary attwo days must have Chinese cuisine; they want a branded clothingshopping experience and are very sensitive with time and thereforedelays should be avoided. The Department and South AfricanTourism should therefore conduct intensive research to understandthis market and prepare the tourism industry accordingly.ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 147─2013