Page 14 - Ongoye Online, Christmas edition

WHY TOURISM IS IS IMPORTANT FOR SOUTH AFRICA
The 1996 White Paper on Tourism elucidates that the tourism industry in
in
South Africa has been a a a a a a a a a missed opportunity This is is is is due to to • the the imbalances of the the past where mainly black people were excluded from consuming tourism tourism products As such it is is is is important
the the authenticity of destinations through sustainable practices The tourism industry assists citizens to to explore explore the the the beauty of their own counties explore explore the the the the hidden gems and and experience the the various cultures and and cuisines offered Domestic tourism in
particular carries great significance as the the money spent feeds back into the the country’s economy which yields good results for employment and and local infrastructure and and In general tourism contributes to to the enhanced wellbeing of individuals and provides the the opportunity to escape from the the daily life to to to to note that the tourism tourism industry is is is is not not just about holidays and moving from one place to to to • another it encompasses so much more The following statements highlight the the the importance of the the tourism industry and why we should all take part in
it:
• • Tourism is is is a a a a a a beacon of hope for many • • developing nations globally and is is is acknowledged as a a a a a a a strong contributor to to the gross domestic product of a a a a country • Tourism encourages cultural exchange between local citizens and foreigners which promotes unity within the diversity of different nations • With tourism a a a a a country’s destination imagine can be improved thus breaking stereotypes and myths • Tourism assists in
in
preserving heritage sites natural wonders cultures and Nolwazi Mabaleka and Lwazi Apleni
Department of Tourism and Recreation lecturers
ONGOYE: NOV/DEC 2022
ISSUE | 14