The Western Cape MEC of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism is unhappy that his well-meant attempts to create a unified Tourism strategy for Cape Town and the Western Cape is not receiving the industry support that he would like, and is particularly unhappy that Cape Town Tourism has publicly stated that it is unhappy with the MEC’s proposal.   He has given the industry until 27 September to provide input into his proposal.   Our comments about the proposed Tourism Strategy can be read here.

We publish the MEC’s full Media Statement below:

“MEDIA STATEMENT BY ALAN WINDE – MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM 

 

Over the past week a number of articles and statements have appeared in the media regarding the desire of the tourism community and leadership of the Western Cape to create a shared, single solution for marketing of the City of Cape Town and the wider Province as a leading, compelling and highly competitive tourism destination on the global stage. In so doing we as a destination will unlock sustainable, equitable growth and development for all people of the province. Critical to this process is the passing of Resolutions for the creation of a new Provincial Tourism Marketing Model. These Resolutions have been shared, timeously and transparently, with the tourism community. Overt invitation has been extended for solicitation of inputs to the Resolutions, clearly reflecting the desire to ensure that this process takes into account collective points of view. Public expression of viewpoints on the vision for destination marketing and the process currently underway is invaluable as it demonstrates that the consultative processes put in place are in fact working. I note with concern, however, the public rejection by Cape Town Tourism’s Board of the proposals detailed in the draft Provincial Tourism Marketing Model. This declaration, and the impact it is having in dividing the tourism community, demonstrates the risks in putting premature statements of failure of process ahead of vision and trust in the process. It serves no purpose other than to arrest progress. 
At the outset, let me confirm that the Resolutions put forward represent a document in the making, intended to inspire robust debate on the best way forward for tourism in the Western Cape.  At this stage no assumptions or proposals are made for either the marketing strategy, nor the structures that will roll it out once these have been defined. 
I would like to urge tourism industry players to engage with the document in a responsible manner.  We, as leaders in the future of tourism for our province, should show respect for the process and act in a manner that honours the institution of democratic engagement. 
Please submit constructive comments based on the content of the document to my office via taepartnership@pgwc.gov.za by 27 September 2010. 
I re-emphasise that the end result of this process is a collectively defined way forward that will see us become a globally competitive tourism destination that brings social and economic benefits for our people, and ensures a positive experience for travellers to our province.  By working together, ‘Team Tourism’ can create a proud, lasting legacy that will endure well beyond our tenures.  The traveller should always remain at the heart of our efforts.” 

 

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com