Pietermaritzburg - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize says the provincial government will work tirelessly to turn the province into a destination of choice for international visitors.
"We are targeting the Gulf and Eastern economies such as China and India to maximize on tourism and boost our agricultural export potential to turn our economy for the better."
The premier said in his State of the Province Address on Thursday, he would be holding a meeting with the ambassadors from these countries to discuss this as well as strengthen relations and take forward the provisions of bi-national agreements.
The Premier said the province was currently the third largest destination in the country for international visitors, but the leading domestic tourism destination, with 32% of the market share.
"The economic impact of tourism for last year was in the order of R22 billion, employing up to 144 000 people in the province," said the premier.
He added that the industry makes up about 80 percent of the provinces Gross Domestic Product.
Dr Mkhize said that he hoped to use the tourism industry more effectively to accelerate growth in the province, especially as hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup was expected to increase the number of visitors to the province significantly.
"The government has recognised the potential of tourism to create thousands of jobs in the first and second economy. Tourism's capacity to employ women and youth as well as other vulnerable members of society can contribute greatly to socio-economic development," said Dr Mkhize.
