Tourism Industry has contributed positively to national economies – Masebo

——-Government says the tourism sector in Southern Africa has  contributed greatly  to most national economies in the region.

 

And RETOSA chairperson Amidia Carlos Caxalina says it was  important  for stakeholders to work  together to develop tourism in  the member states.

 

Ms. Masebo  says the tourism sector has had a far wider impact on infrastructure development, job creation and small enterprises and ultimately community development.

 

Minister of Tourism and Arts Silvia Masebo  says that tourism has  infact become  a one of the major  contributors to the national economies (GDPs) across the region..

 

ZANIS reports that Ms. Masebo said this at the official opening of the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA) chief executives forum held at Zambezi Sun in Livingstone today.

 

She said the time has come to set aside disparities from members and reaffirm their commitment to regional integration.

 

Ms. Masebo pointed out that the tourism industry has experienced tremendous growth, but infrastructure facilities have not.

 

“In 2010, the 15 Southern African RETOSA member countries recorded 2.3% of world tourism arrivals which amounted to 20.2 million visitors
and 1.7 of the world tourism receipts amounting to $USD 14.6m according to the UNWTO,” she said.

 

She further explained that more significantly those facts represented over 40% of all arrivals to Africa and nearly 50% of all African
tourism receipts.

 

She said while it is true that the region s well endowed with unique tourism attractions and products on par with the world’s best, these
projections tell us that there is still more room for improvement.

And RETOSA chairperson Amidia Carlos Caxalina says it was  important  for stakeholders to work  together to develop tourism in  the member states.

 

 

RETOSA chairperson Amidia Carlos Caxalina said that there is also need to have unity among countries that will help bring about development and reduce poverty in the African Continent.