REGIONAL INDIC ATIVE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PL AN 2 9 least cost energy services addresses the broader SADC mote and market the region as a single, but multifaceted objectives which include attracting investment and tourism destination; and to improve the quality, compe- promoting competitiveness and trade as a means for titiveness and standards of service of the tourism industry eradicating poverty, bearing in mind the need for the in the SADC region. environmentally sustainable use of energy resources. The protocol on Development of Tourism is the only The policy framework is also supportive and legal policy instrument for the sector, which was responsive to the SADC's strategic priorities that are developed and signed by Member States in 1998. The targeted at industrialisation, the promotion of economic Protocol has been ratified and came into force on 26 and social infrastructure, developing agriculture, gender November 2002, and most of its programmes are being mainstreaming, human resources development, and implemented. The objectives of the protocol are to ensure improving social welfare. equitable, balanced and complementary development of Although progress in the implementation of the the tourism industry in the region; to optimise resource Protocol has been rather slow, some encouraging strides usage; involve small and micro-enterprises, local have been made especially in the electricity sub-sector communities and women and youth; and to facilitate through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). The intra-regional travel through easing visa-restrictions. interconnection of power grids has progressed well and One of the provisions of the protocol is the setting up resulted in the introduction of a short-term energy market, of a regional body to market the SADC region as a which has turned SAPP into a competitive pool. Encouraging collective tourism destination. progress has also been recorded in the establishment of a "Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa" Regional Regulatory Association (RERA). (RETOSA) was established in 1998. RETOSA is governed In this context, the by a Charter, which was signed by all Member States and 3.3.2.3 Challenges in Policies and Strategies is in force. Apart from ensuring greater private sector involvement Although the SADC Energy Sector policy framework is in the development of the tourism sector, RETOSA is also comprehensive and addresses the broader SADC the marketing and promotional arm of SADC, responsible objectives and strategic priorities, the programmes on the for the positioning of SADC as a common destination. One ground fall short of addressing some of the objectives of of the strategies pursued by RETOSA in marketing the SADC the Protocol. The challenges include the need to develop region is the five year Business Plan (2003-2007). Its main programmes that will address gender issues, and objective is to market the SADC Region as a preferred des- research and technology development. In addition, there tination; and to mobilize resources for tourism investment is need to secure funding for projects/programmes and development in the region. dealing with grid interconnections, joint exploration, rural The Tourism Sector Ministers approved a five year electrification, new and renewable sources of energy, and tourism development strategy (1995-1999) for the energy efficiency and conservation. Overcoming these Tourism Sector, which is outdated and needs to be challenges would not only add momentum to the longer- reviewed, to take into account the latest developments term vision of full economic integration, but would also in the Tourism Sector. contribute considerably towards increased economic growth and poverty reduction. 3.3.3.2 Evaluation of Current Policies and Strategies 3.3.3 TOURISM The Tourism Protocol, which provides the policy framework for tourism development is generally in line with "SADC" objectives, as enumerated in the SADC 3.3.3.1 Treaty as well as the strategic objectives and SADC Review of Current Policies and Strategies common agenda stated in the report on the "Review of The overall goal of the Tourism Sector is to develop, pro- Operations of SADC Institutions".