BusinessLive reports that Cabinet has approved the coastal and marine tourism implementation plan, which the Department of Tourism will spearhead.  

Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa said in a statement on Friday that the aim was "to grow a world-class and sustainable coastal and marine tourism destination that leverages SA’s competitive advantage in nature, culture, and heritage".  She went on to indicate:  "The coastal and marine tourism sector will contribute about R21.4bn to the GDP and create about 116,000 direct jobs by 2026.  These estimates are conservative as they are growing off a low 2015 base of a R11.9bn direct contribution to GDP and 64,400 direct jobs."  The plan will prioritise destinations rather than individual tourism projects or products.  Initiatives will be concentrated on marketing, events and routes; regulations and permits; research and spatial planning; beach precinct development, tourism infrastructure and tourism safety; maritime tourism; and skills development.

• Read this report by Linda Ensor in full at BusinessLive

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