JOHANNESBURG, 1 JULY 2024 – The Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA) extends a warm welcome to Patricia de Lille on her reappointment as Minister of Tourism and to Barbara Creecy as the new Minister of Transport.
Sandile Ntseoane, General Manager of SAVRALA, expressed optimism about the appointments: “We are pleased to see continuity in the Tourism portfolio and look forward to fresh perspectives in Transport. These ministries are crucial for our industry’s growth and South Africa’s economic development.”
Ntseoane highlighted the recent positive trends in the car rental sector: “We’ve seen a significant upturn in demand, with car rental revenue per day for inbound tourism increasing significantly. This growth reflects the resilience and potential of our industry.”
SAVRALA appreciates Minister de Lille’s ongoing support, particularly in enhancing tourism safety. “Minister de Lille has been instrumental in establishing the national tourism operations centre, which provides round-the-clock emergency incident management. This initiative significantly boosts visitor confidence,” Ntseoane added.
Looking ahead, SAVRALA sees opportunities for further collaboration with both ministries. “We aim to work closely with Ministers de Lille and Creecy to address challenges such as infrastructure development, sustainable mobility solutions, and promoting South Africa as a top destination for both leisure and business travellers,” Ntseoane stated.
The association believes that a thriving vehicle rental and leasing sector is vital for tourism growth and overall economic development. SAVRALA remains committed to engaging constructively with government to create an environment that supports industry growth while enhancing the travel experience for both domestic and international visitors.
SAVRALA extends its congratulations to all members of the new Cabinet and commits to continue fostering collaboration between the Car Rental and Leasing industry and the new Government of National Unity in our pursuit of economic growth, economic development and shared economic prosperity.
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About SAVRALA
SAVRALA is the representative voice of Southern Africa’s vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management sector. Its members have a combined national footprint with over 600 branches countrywide. Its Associate members comprise most motor manufacturers and importers and allied industry sales and service companies. SAVRALA members provide short-term self-drive rental, medium and long-term rentals and/or leasing and fleet management services to corporate users and consumers. The sector employs an estimated 12,000 people and, as a direct multiplier effect, several thousand more jobs are sustained across the South African automotive industry.
For more information about SAVRALA, please contact:
Kim Taylor
076 825 5508