By Gregory Austin Nwakunor, who was in Durban, South Africa
ARESH makes visitors to North Beach in Durban, South Africa wonder how ‘child art’ could be turned into tourism potentials, according to many, who have encountered the sculptor at the beach, which overlooks the Southern Sun Hotel, Elangeni.
Every two weeks, Aresh sculpts new images with sand on the beach. He has four other people, who do so at the different sections of the Indian Ocean line.
The artist, who does not have a formal training in art, says, “I have vowed to use my God-given talent to beautify the beach.”
All what Aresh gets for his efforts is commendation and token financial supports from visitors to the beach. But that does not disturb him.
He adds, “it is not only government that can market our country, but we, as different individuals.”
For Aresh and many, who were at the 2011 Indaba, Africa's biggest travel and tourism show, which held at the Inkosi Albert Lithuli International Convention Centre, Durban, South Africa, between May 7 and 10, if Africa is to enjoy benefits of tourism investment, there is need for the continent to consider human elements.
This year’s theme was Playing globally, winning locally, which encapsulates the ideals of shared and inclusive growth and job creation in the South African tourism sector, to be achieved by establishing a strong international presence in support of becoming a global player.
According to the South African Tourism Minister, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, the innate human connection of citizens and tourism industry is key factor in appealing to the discerning international and domestic travellers.
He also said that what will change the face of Africa is tourism is for the continent to market itself.
According to him, "when we talk about tourism, we often talk about policies, statistics and objectives. Tourism is much more than that. Tourism is about people. The magic ingredient that differentiates tourism from every other economic sector is people.
“We are ready to turn this new potential into long term, sustainable growth," said Schalkwyk, at the opening, which featured multi-Grammy award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo and acclaimed actor, John Kani, with messages of welcome from Durban mayor, Obed Mlaba, and Kwazulu-Natal Premier, Zweli Mkhize.
He pointed out that South Africa did not go into any form of debt in spite of huge amount invested in the 2010 World Cup because of the human element that played a significant role in the hosting of the global soccer fiesta.
According to the South African Tourism Minister, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, the innate human connection of citizens and tourism industry is key factor in appealing to the discerning international and domestic travellers.
He also said that what will change the face of Africa is tourism is for the continent to market itself.
According to him, "when we talk about tourism, we often talk about policies, statistics and objectives. Tourism is much more than that. Tourism is about people. The magic ingredient that differentiates tourism from every other economic sector is people.
“We are ready to turn this new potential into long term, sustainable growth," said Schalkwyk, at the opening, which featured multi-Grammy award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo and acclaimed actor, John Kani, with messages of welcome from Durban mayor, Obed Mlaba, and Kwazulu-Natal Premier, Zweli Mkhize.
He pointed out that South Africa did not go into any form of debt in spite of huge amount invested in the 2010 World Cup because of the human element that played a significant role in the hosting of the global soccer fiesta.
International tourism arrivals to South Africa grew by 15.1 per cent in 2010, as a result of the country's successful hosting of the World Cup.
The National Tourism Sector Strategy of South Africa targets an increase in the number of foreign tourist arrivals to 15 million, the number of domestic trips to 50 million, increase tourism's contribution to the GDP from an estimated 189.4 billion rand in 2009 to 499 billion rand and aim to create 225 000 new tourism jobs by 2020.
Schalkwyk, who regretted the absence of Nigeria from the travel/trade fair, said: “Africa only receives three per cent of the world tourism arrival, which is much too low; we can do better than that. We want to improve our cooperation with Nigeria because it is a key African country. Already, we have signed a memorandum of understanding with Kenya and a few other African countries to ensure that we continue to work together, exchange information and expertise.”
The National Tourism Sector Strategy of South Africa targets an increase in the number of foreign tourist arrivals to 15 million, the number of domestic trips to 50 million, increase tourism's contribution to the GDP from an estimated 189.4 billion rand in 2009 to 499 billion rand and aim to create 225 000 new tourism jobs by 2020.
Schalkwyk, who regretted the absence of Nigeria from the travel/trade fair, said: “Africa only receives three per cent of the world tourism arrival, which is much too low; we can do better than that. We want to improve our cooperation with Nigeria because it is a key African country. Already, we have signed a memorandum of understanding with Kenya and a few other African countries to ensure that we continue to work together, exchange information and expertise.”
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