Question NW2148 to the Minister of Tourism
09 November 2016 - NW2148
Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether he has made any progress on the conversion of underused state properties into tourist facilities as per the outcomes of a 2013 study to implement the budget report concept; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Following the study on the municipal owned resorts for the low budget market, the department and the Industrial Development Corporation are reviewing the outcomes so as to provide sound recommendations to the affected stakeholders on possible options going forward.
The department is further in the process of developing the Infrastructure and Investment Master Plan. The Master Plan will include catalytic projects with high impact and ensure fair provincial geographic spread.
The Infrastructure Master Plan will provide a national framework which will serve as a guideline for the development and maintenance of tourism infrastructure across the country. The framework will set out key objectives, identify and address the infrastructural challenges or gaps which exist in state owned underutilised properties in order to stimulate tourism growth.
The department is currently conducting consultations with provincial and local spheres to solicit inputs into the Master Plan.
The Department is also aware that successful implementation of the initiatives aimed at sustainability of some of these resorts rest with the owning municipalities as they would need to decide on the adoption of such proposed funding and operating models. The role of the department is to highlight such opportunities and where possible facilitate partnerships.