Experts advocate strategies that will make travel more affordable for South Africans facing increased living costs.
Security measures need to be enhanced by increasing visible policing and security personnel at key tourist spots.
Tax incentives for businesses that invest in tourism infrastructure and services should also be introduced, especially in underdeveloped regions.
Patricia de Lille (GOOD) has retained her portfolio as Minister of Tourism in the new Government of National Unity, and the decision has been met with praise from the acclaimed research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North-West University (NWU).
“The tourism sector should be both happy and relieved that Minister De Lille will continue in her position,” says Prof Elmarie Slabbert, director of TREES. The minister is action-driven and highly values the opinions of both the private and public sectors, thereby creating a conducive environment for cooperation.
However, considering the political and economic challenges facing South Africa, the team at TREES compiled a “wish list” of how they propose Minister 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.
These recommendations are not the responsibility of the Department of Tourism alone, but require cooperation with other government entities.
1. Safety and security: Security measures must be enhanced by increasing visible policing and security personnel at key tourist hot spots. TREES also emphasised 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Growing the tourism SMMEs: A number of programmes are available for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector, but their growth is still limited. An incentivised mentorship programme is needed to accelerate their growth so that they can employ more people. Tax incentives for businesses that invest in tourism infrastructure and services should also be introduced, especially in underdeveloped regions.
6. Marketing and promotion: TREES proposes the integration of marketing efforts and attendance of shows that cover all the different experiences in South Africa – for example, 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!
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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!
