Department Of Tourism Budget 2017, The mandate of the Department of Tourism, as outlined in the Tourism Act (2014), is to promote growth and development of the tourism sector; promote quality tourism products and services; provide for the effective domestic and international marketing of South Africa as a tourist destination; enhance cooperation and coordination between all spheres of government in developing and managing tourism; and promote the practice of responsible tourism for the benefit of South Africa and for the enjoyment of all its residents and foreign visitors.
In recognition of tourism as a national priority, with a potential to contribute significantly to economic development, the 1996 White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa provides for the promotion of domestic and international tourism.
The national tourism sector strategy provides a blueprint for the sector to meet the growth targets contained in the National Development Plan (NDP).