House Chairperson and hon members, the portfolio committee reports on its study tour to Mexico. Our objectives for the study tour were to look at the following: governance, with particular reference to the alignment and integration of tourism in this federal country; assessing levels of stakeholder participation, both in the private and public sector; the tourism sector contribution to growth and job creation; promotion of cultural and heritage tourism growth; and support for sustainable livelihoods and small businesses.
In their life journey, Mexicans have spellbinding stories to tell, as well as wonderful colonial and indigenous heritage sites that are well preserved. These include the sun and the moon pyramids, which were built by the indigenous people, and the huge cathedral that replaced a pyramid of the conquered indigenous people of Mexico City. They sing their unique folk songs beautifully, with harmonious melodies. From this visit, we drew a number of observations and fascinating experiences, all because these attractions are managed with a passion that is surely hard to find anywhere. Their approach is all-inclusive co-operation and partnership. This they do from the conception to the completion of every project. They start by consulting with communities, villages, municipalities, states and private operators, who are all led by central government despite it being a federal state.
The government also values research, information and innovation, and in this respect they work with 644 universities, who assist in their research and innovation efforts. Their approach is also people-driven, as it is knowledge-driven and stakeholder-owned. This seems to drive their passion in what they do for tourism. They have specialised and well-resourced multisector institutions for tourism development. Their expertise includes project management, technical management, commercialisation, finance and marketing, among others. These all account to the Department of Tourism at central government level.
In their campaign to promote the image of their country, they use the slogan "Mexico: the place you thought you knew". This has worked to dispel images of a destination associated with drug lords and criminal gangs that they had as a country. We noted that in order to promote tourism, they started by defending bad publicity about their destination. They value relationships with the media as they believe that if they did not publish good news, that void would be occupied by negative news. They use all forms of media, including word of mouth from celebrities, social media and hidden cameras in taxis, among others. They also value respect for indigenous traditions, rural development, the capacitating of communities, environmental conservation, and synergies between all participants.
The report contains our recommendations, which include the need to work with some of their institutions to develop our resorts and for South Africa to have people who are more competent in leadership positions, particularly where they need skills. We propose that the report be considered. [Time expired.]
There was no debate.
Chair, I move -
That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.