The Portfolio Committee on Tourism embarked on a week-long oversight visit to the Western Cape, with a primary focus on evaluating the region's tourism infrastructure and assessing the progress in job creation initiatives. This comprehensive visit included engagements with various stakeholders to gain insights into ongoing projects and challenges within the tourism sector.

A key stop on their itinerary was the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse precinct development located in the Overberg. The committee, which had previously visited the project at its inception in 2017, received an update indicating that the development is now 99% complete and is ready for its official launch. Phase 1 of the project, which was successfully concluded in 2018, involved the construction of a unique map of Africa at the southern-most tip of the continent, paving a one-kilometre stretch of road, rehabilitating the natural terrain, and realigning the boardwalk. The committee expressed satisfaction that the completed development will provide crucial infrastructure support for the lighthouse precinct, including a new gateway to the park, a 60-seater restaurant, modern ablution facilities, and an interpretation centre. This project, which secured R54,990,000 in funding, is anticipated to significantly enhance the area's appeal and attract a greater number of tourists.

The committee also visited the Arniston Hotel and Spa, a notable beneficiary of the Green Tourism Incentive Programme. Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, the hotel has installed over 100 solar panels as a measure to reduce the high operational costs associated with electricity. Beyond its environmental efforts, the Arniston Hotel plays a significant role in local community support and economic development. It currently employs over 150 staff members from the local community and actively runs ongoing training programmes aimed at preparing local youth for employment within the hotel industry. Furthermore, the hotel contributes to local economic sustainability by procuring fresh produce directly from local fishermen and vegetable growers.

During their engagement, the hotel owner made an appeal to the government for intervention, requesting assistance with marketing the hotel internationally to expand its reach. Additional requests included the implementation of more robust measures to ensure the safety and security of tourists, and departmental support to help mitigate the persistently high electricity costs required for the hotel's operations. In response to these critical concerns, the Portfolio Committee on Tourism committed to engaging directly with the Minister of Tourism to ensure that the hotel industry receives the necessary support to enhance its marketability to international tourists and address its operational challenges effectively.