05/05/2005: Following
months of intensive work between government
and the tourism industry, the Minister of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marthinus
van Schalkwyk, is to officially launch the
Tourism BEE Charter at this year's Tourism
Indaba.
The Tourism Indaba, which will be held at
Durban 's International Convention Centre
(ICC) from 7 to 10 May 2005 , is Africa 's
foremost annual travel and trade exhibition.
The Department of Environmental Affairs and
Tourism (DEAT) has placed strong emphasis
on black SMME development at this year's Indaba,
and has set aside R2 million to assist over
200 SMME's to exhibit. The department will
also host a joint workshop with the American-based
Africa Travel Association (ATA) for the SMME's,
aimed at looking at ways to further assist
in their development. ATA is an organization
which encourages North Americans to travel
to Africa .
Furthermore, DEAT has partnered with the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to
run an investment pavilion for the duration
of the Indaba, aimed at attracting investment
into South Africa 's tourism projects.
Before officially opening the Indaba on Saturday,
Minister van Schalkywk will give an address
at an event to announce the forthcoming opening
of spectacular new visitor facilities which
will showcase the Cradle of Humankind, one
of South Africa 's six World Heritage Sites.
Minister van Schalkwyk announced at last
year's Indaba the intention of government
and industry to finalise a BEE Charter for
tourism. A committee to work on the drafting
was appointed a month later, headed by the
Chairperson of Proudly South African, Mr Tim
Modise. The draft was presented to the Minister
in December last year and on Sunday, 08 May
2005 , he will host a stakeholder breakfast
at Durban 's Hilton Hotel to publicly unveil
the Charter.
To confirm attendance at the BEE Charter
launch, please contact Phindile Makwakwa (Director:
Communications) at 082 850 9559 or Ministerial
spokesperson Riaan Aucamp at 083 778 9923.
For further information on Tourism Indaba
2005, please visit the South African Tourism
website www.southafrica.net
