With over two decades of internationally inspired South African business experience through holding senior leadership positions in transport, tourism and economic development organisations, Ms Archary brings a strong delivery to the new board. As a former Executive Vice President of SAA, she was responsible for the following divisions
- Strategic Business Development
- Customer Services
- Global Passenger Services
- Marketing and Product Development.
She is also an experienced member of the tourism fraternity, having been a member Cape Town Tourism, the Western Cape Tourism Board, the Cape Town Routes Unlimited and CTRU, over the past six years.
Minister Brown said: "Ms Anisha Archary is an accomplished and experienced manager with many years of experience. She is well respected in tourism circles and most of all brings with her a dignity and credibility that can only be good for tourism in the Western Cape".
She added: "Under Anisha's leadership the board is expected to steer and guide the Province's destination marketing efforts. The most important thing about this board is that it is filled with people who possess a vast array of skills and backgrounds, representing diversified interests and very strong experience in tourism and marketing".
Ms Archary welcomed the appointment and said it was daunting challenge, but one that she relished.
She said: " I am honoured to accept this appointment and value the confidence shown in my ability by the Minister, the mayor and other senior figures in government. In my term I will steer the organisation to ensure that we assist with the transformation of the tourism industry though a shared vision with civil society, labour, government and business".
She added: "Our task is to ensure that we market our destination in a way which brings dignity, equity and prosperity for all those who choose to make the Western Cape their home. This will be my driving passion over the next two years."
Minister Brown also said the appointment of the 15 member board was aimed at strengthening the Western Cape's undoubted reputation as being a jewel in the crown of South African tourism. This is illustrated by the fact that the Province boasts 8 out of the 10 top tourist attractions as voted by visitors.
Tourism is a very important contributor to the Western Cape economy. It accounts for approximately 9.8% of the Gross Regional Product and employs 9.6% of province's workforce. The Western Cape is also at an advantageous position because tourism in the Province continues to grow above the national average.
In 2003 there were 1,5 million foreign arrivals compared to 1,3 million in 2002, which means that the Province had a 13.8% growth, which is above national average of 1.2
The key foreign markets for the Western Cape are the United Kingdom and Germany.
There are also growing sub-sectors within tourism, such as eco and adventure tourism, incentive tourism, health tourism, business and conference tourism.
It is for these reasons that the Provincial Government has identified tourism as one of the 13 sectors that can propel Western Cape economy to higher growth margins.
The board was appointed in consultation with the Mayor of Cape Town, Nomaindia Mfeketo. Inputs were also received from the Western Cape branch of the South African Local Government Association, and the parliamentary Provincial Standing Committee on Tourism.
In a first for the tourism industry, the board will have a strong presence of women. The 15-member board has seven women members.
The combined strength of the board is reflected in the calibre of the nominees which include well known public figures like, Joe Mwase of the Black Management Forum, Tony Ehrenreich of Cosatu, Derrick van der Merwe - CEO of the V and A Waterfront and well-known businessman Patrick Parring of Excel Projects and Events Management.
Of the 15 board members, seven have served on the previous board. The Minister will call the first meeting of the board will be called within the next 14 days.
The full board:
Joe Mwase | A | M | U | Previous Board + BMF |
Neil Markovitz | W | M | U | Previous Board + industry representative |
Jenny Smith | W | F | R | Previous Board + LTB's + rural |
Tony Eirenrech | C | M | U | Labour |
Zandile Mxkaku | A | F | U | Business + representivity |
Anisha Archary | I | F | U | Previous Board + Business + representivity |
Patrick Parring | C | M | U | Previous Board + Business |
Derrick v d Merwe | W | M | U | Previous Board + tourism industry |
Sandile Elano | A | M | R | LTB's + rural |
Kevin Hosking | C | M | U | Tourism industry + Business |
R Stevens | C | M | R | Govt |
E Plaatjies | C | F | R | Govt |
Noki Dube | A | F | U | CEO |
Jo-ann Johnstone | C | F | U | Minister's nominee |
Amanda Madikize | A | F | U | Mayor's nominee |
