Decision makers in regional and local government and tourism have come out in support of the South African Golf Summit to be held at Fancourt from 20 to 23 April 2008.
Describing the summit as a ‘step in the right direction’, officials said the summit gave all roleplayers opportunity to benefit from the game and industry.
Western Cape Minister of Environment, Planning and Economic Development Tasneem Essop said there was a significant inter-relationship between golf and tourism that could not be ignored and should lead to greater benefit.
“As one of the main economic forces in our province, tourism services and infrastructure must be improved, the industry needs to ensure greater participation and development must benefit a wider part of the citizenry. Golf is a major tourism draw card in our region and it needs to be managed in such a manner so that the concept of a triple bottom line, i.e. economic, social and environmental, is fully embraced.
The summit is an ideal forum for stakeholders in the golfing industry to interact and consult with government. Most, if not all, of our policy formulation is evidence-based and we know that our province faces serious challenges in the near future. One only needs to think of the challenges that climate change presents as our summers become hotter and longer, water supplies will also become tighter and of course the spatial issues that we face as the boundaries of development and our unique biodiversity begin to clash, she said.
Minister Essop will be discussing requirements and procedures for Fancourt Golf Course and Estate permit approval at the summit and will also join discussion session surrounding environmental issues and socio-economic development.
South African Tourism CEO Moeketsi Mosola said golf added major economic value to tourism in the country and should be optimised.
“Countries across the world have shown significant growth in golf tourism and South Africa in many cases has better weather conditions, more beautiful scenery and some of the best names in the golf world behind their golf course design. It only makes sense to ensure that this asset is developed in a sustainable manner that can benefit local communities, the disadvantaged and the golf industry to the economic well-being of tourism and the country,” said Mosola.
South African Tourism Events General Manager Sugen Pillay will be speaking at the summit on behalf of Mosola on the significance of the golf industry in the optimisation of the socio economic value of tourism in South Africa.
Eden District Municipality Mayor Rudi Laws said the municipality welcomed the summit not only because it brought national and international visitors to the region but also because it ultimately benefited growth in the district’s golf market, which contributed significantly to the area’s economy. Eden’s brand as premier golfing destination received a considerable boost when it was accorded the right to host the President’s Cup in 2003, as well as the Women’s Golf Cup in 2005.
“Our region encompasses several golf courses and golf estates. We recognise the sport’s role in the well-being of the area and also see the local role players’ efforts in working with government and other sectors. We look forward to the good results that the summit will bring to our region in future,” said Laws.
The annual summit brings together key industry stakeholders including government, developers, operators and investors involved in the development of golf resorts, courses and estates.