Government has identified tourism as one of the critical sectors that can help kick-start and rejuvenate the country’s ailing economy following the devastating impact of the Covid 19 pandemic. This is because travel and the tourism sector increase economic activities, driving up demand for services and products such as accommodation, transport and attractions. Some of the job and career opportunities offered by the sector range from:
- food and beverage roles
- cruise ship careers
- transport and adventure tourism
- travel trade
- events and conferences
- tour operators
- tourism entrepreneurship
- travel blogging.
Welcoming de Lille’s re-appointment
The tourism sector has generally welcomed the re-appointment of Patricia de Lille as the minister of tourism in the new Government of National Unity as it ensures continuity.
The Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North-West University, shared its “wish list”. The list proposes how De Lille should leverage the country’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and unique attractions to address critical issues that will help ensure sustainable and inclusive growth in the tourism sector.
The recommendations include:
- Safety and security: Security measures must be enhanced by increasing visible policing and security personnel at key tourist hot spots. There is also the need to continue implementing comprehensive safety protocols to reassure both domestic and international tourists. With regard to emergency services, there is a need to improve the availability and responsiveness of emergency services in tourist areas, including those of medical facilities and emergency hotlines.
- Air access and airport challenges:The airport is the first encounter with the country for international visitors, emphasising the importance of service delivery. It is important to increase the number of direct flights to South Africa on a continuous basis. Long queues at passport control and baggage that cannot be booked through to the next destination do not contribute to the image of a welcoming destination. Biometric passports, automated systems and e-gates will reduce waiting times, making travel more convenient and secure.
- Visa and travel facilitation:Visa application processes should be simplified to attract a broader range of tourists, including digital nomads. Specialised visa categories should also be developed for digital nomads, allowing them to stay and work in South Africa for extended periods and incentives such as co-working spaces and connectivity hubs can be offered.
- Infrastructure development:TREES says that upgrading major tourist routes and ensuring reliable public transport systems remain a priority. However, the focus should shift to improving digital infrastructure by enhancing high-speed internet access across tourist destinations to cater to the needs of modern travellers and facilitate seamless communication and access to information.
- Growing the tourism SMME’s:A number of programmes are available for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the tourism sector, but their growth is still limited. An incentivised mentorship programme is needed to accelerate their growth to employ more people. Tax incentives for businesses investing in tourism infrastructure and services should also be introduced, especially in under-developed regions.
- Marketing and promotion:The tourism society proposes the integration of marketing efforts and attendance of shows that cover all the different experiences in South Africa, i.e. attending the largest leisure, hunting tourism and business trade shows across the world. Capitalise further on the opportunities created by social media – a team of dedicated social media marketers will make a difference!
- The importance of South Africans as tourism ambassadors:South Africans should understand the importance of tourists. Roadshows and awareness campaigns are needed to increase knowledge about tourism and its economic effect; we are all affected by this sector.
- Domestic tourists are the backbone of the sector:TREES also advocates the introduction of strategies for domestic tourists to make travel more affordable for South Africans facing increased living costs. This includes offering discounts and special packages for local residents to encourage domestic tourism.
- Research:Given the ever-changing tourism environment, the importance of research relating to demand and supply should not be underestimated. Quality research gives quality data, which gives this country the edge in making changes according to the needs of visitors and businesses contributing to the growth of the sector!
