Addo, Eastern Cape, 2 December 2024 – MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism (DEDEAT), Hon Nonkqubela Pieters officially launched the Eastern Cape’s Summer Season Campaign today under the theme: “Summer Love.” The campaign is a call to explore the beauty of the Eastern Cape, inviting domestic and international tourists to rediscover what makes the province unique – its warm people, breath-taking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and boundless opportunities.
Declaring the season open and the Province’s readiness to welcome the visitors , MEC Pieters said, we invite all to rediscover the wonders of the Eastern Cape, from the pristine beaches of the Wild Coast and the iconic safaris of Addo Elephant National Park to outdoor adventures in the Amathole Mountains and vibrant cultural experiences. “This incredible province is ours to explore. Every visit to a local attraction, every stay at a local accommodation, and every meal at a local restaurant contributes to job creation, poverty alleviation, and community development. Supporting local tourism is an investment in the future of the Eastern Cape,” added Pieters.
A testament to the province’s commitment to remaining one of South Africa’s top three most-visited provinces in the domestic market, as highlighted in her 2024 Policy Speech, is the impressive growth in domestic tourism. MEC Pieters revealed that the province now records 6.9 million domestic tourists, a significant increase from the 1.9 million visitors before COVID-19. “One of the strategies we identified to achieve this goal is the rollout of quarterly campaigns to promote the province’s tourism offerings. Campaigns like the Summer Season launch play a key role in boosting tourism performance,” said Pieters.
The province is making efforts to honour its commitment to transforming the provincial tourism sector by providing targeted training for small tourism entrepreneurs in areas such as social media, tourist guiding, and business management. Initiatives like massage therapy training in Port St Johns and mentorship programmes further enhance their offerings, while platforms such as the Tourism Indaba and World Travel Market Africa ensure market access. These efforts empower small businesses and contribute to driving inclusive economic growth.
MEC Pieters addressed concerns about safety and security, noting the impact of recent crimes against tourists. She reassured stakeholders that the provincial government is working closely with law enforcement agencies and local communities to ensure a safe experience for visitors. She encouraged tourism operators to implement robust safety measures and urged visitors to travel responsibly while respecting the communities they explore.
