Question NW652 to the Minister of Tourism
21 April 2021 - NW652
Gumbi, Mr HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)Whether she has any structured ongoing engagement with community tourism organisations (CTO); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what (a) proportion of CTOs has she and/or her department found to be effectively operational in each province and (b) are the criteria that determines this; (3) (a) what is the last date that she had a structured engagement with CTOs, (b)(i) where and (ii) how did this take place, (iii) who were the participants in this engagement and (iv) what was the basis of the discussion?
Reply:
1. The Minister of Tourism undertakes tourism stakeholder outreaches across the country, wherein she engages with various stakeholders within local communities. Thus, the Minister takes an inclusive approach at a community level with participation by all affected and interested parties.
2. (a) and (b) Neither the Department of Tourism nor the Minister of Tourism have mandate to evaluate functionality of Community Tourism Organisations or any other tourism association as these are voluntary associations.
3. (a)(i) and (b)(i) and (ii) The latest engagement was in the Northern Cape in the areas of Upington and Rimvesmark in a form of Ministerial outreach linked to the tourism recovery efforts and revitalisation of domestic tourism in particular.
(iii)The engagements were attended by amongst others the provincial government, local government, and local tourism business community.
(iv)To obtain insights into the key tourism issues and opportunities for improvements where necessary.