“We must make the Eastern Cape a compelling destination for tourists,” says Eastern Cape premier Nosimo Balindlela.

She was talking to the MECs at their swearing-in ceremony and says that the province will continue with the implementation of the tourism master plan. It will also “strengthen” the province’s hospitality facilities.

Newly appointed MEC for Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism Andre de Wet explains that the strengthening of tourism will bring “positive results” to the province’s economy.

“In the next five years, we will have the unfolding of Coega and that the East London Industrial Development zone which will also contribute to boosting the provincial economy.

De Wet who was previously the chairperson of the Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism standing committee says that there are many exciting opportunities for economic prosperity in the Eastern Cape and in particular, tourism had a solid foundation from which to work.