In preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town Tourism (CTT) will need an extra R13-million over the next three years, to deliver upon its visitor strategy, BuaNews reports.

"In order to compete globally, we need to invest R13 million over the next three years in a state of the art data management system that will host an integrated eBusiness platform linking our website with an on-line booking centre and customer contact centre,” said Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CTT General Manager.

She said the city needed to improve its Visitor Information Centre (VIC) network, and invest in training and skills development.

The master plan, she explained to a portfolio committee for Economic, Social Development and Tourism on Thursday, takes into account the expected dramatic increase in visitors to Cape Town, tough international competition and the advent of new communications technology.

“It also looks at the need for a visitor services legacy that will support tourism in Cape Town way beyond 2010.”

This would also help establish Cape Town as a top international destination and maximise the economic benefits of tourism to all communities and individual tourism businesses.

“If the promises made through destination marketing cannot be delivered upon and exceeded through excellent visitor services and remarkable experiences, the investment in destination marketing is null and void.

“As a membership organisation representing more than 2 000 tourism businesses, we are the interface between the visitor and the destination, unlocking the authentic experiences that our City has to offer the world and allowing small businesses the opportunity to get access to market,” she added.

Established in 2004 after the merger of previous local tourism structures, CTT today manages 20 VICs and interacts with over two million visitors per annum.

"We have implemented the Tourism BEE Scorecard and are now assisting our members to do the same. A tracking system is now in place to better monitor transformation growth in the tourism industry,” she said.

Mayoral Committee Member, Simon Grindrod said the city has put strategies in place that can position Cape Town Tourism as a global model of visitor service excellence and contribute towards establishing Cape Town as the world’s best travel destination.

In supporting the request for additional funding Mr Grindrod emphasised that tourism remained a critical component of the city’s job creation strategy.

“There was no doubt that for every rand invested in tourism marketing, infrastructure and visitor services, Cape Town reaps enormous returns.

“The City of Cape Town needs to ensure that these benefits are further shared with previously marginalised communities and that the real magic of Cape Town and its people are shared with visitors," he said. - BuaNews

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