Question NW469 to the Minister of Tourism
23 March 2022 - NW469
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With regard to the tourism policy review process, (a) what is the progress of her department on legislating funding to community tourism organisations (CTOs) at a municipal level, (b) how regular are MinMec meetings between her and Members of the Executive Council held and (c) what current policy provisions speak to the (i) support and (ii) financing of CTOs?
Reply:
a) The process of reviewing the Tourism Policy is in progress thus the Department cannot pre-empt or make pronouncements on the content.
b) MINMEC meetings are held quarterly depending on the availability of the MINMEC members.
c) (i) The Department of Tourism does not have policy and/or legislative responsibilities for Community Tourism Organisations (CTOs). The department acknowledges concurrent legislative competence and that local govenment is the sphere of government responsible for the development of local tourism including matters related to CTOs. The Department’s point of entry to community organisations is through Provincial and Local governments and the District Development Model.
(ii) The Department does not fund Community Tourism Organisations (CTOs). CTOs are independent associations based on voluntary participation by their membership. The organisations are responsible for their own operations including financial aspects thereof.
Hon Winkler, a key intervention of the Department in support for the protection of core tourism infrastructure and assets is the investment in the development of community owned tourism assets to support inclusive economic growth, product diversification and geographic spread.