TBCSA Leadership Summit: Cultivating Tourism expansion via sustainable partnerships
The 2023 Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) Leadership Conference is currently taking place in Sun City, North West. This marks its second edition, gathering public and private sector stakeholders, dignitaries, guests, and contributors to both local and global tourism. This year, it is themed "Tourism: The Engine for Growth," a continuation from last year to accentuate its mission of propelling economic growth and job opportunities in South Africa.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 aftermath, local economic hurdles, rising living costs, and consistent load-shedding, the tourism sector remains resilient. The recent TBCSA’s Tourism Business Index reveals that the industry's struggles in early 2023 were mainly due to the energy crisis affecting accommodation the most, coupled with inflation.
However, there's a silver lining.
Challenges have catalyzed innovative solutions within the tourism sector. Many stakeholders, for instance, have transitioned to renewable energy in response to power cuts, positively impacting environmental sustainability.
Positive growth projections envelope discussions about South Africa's tourism state. The rest of 2023 holds a promising outlook. Statistics South Africa reports that from January to July 2023, foreign tourist numbers surpassed those of 2019 and 2018, primarily thanks to the African market. However, recovery from the high-expenditure overseas market lags behind, with TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa optimistic about a continued recovery.
TBCSA's dedication to crafting unforgettable experiences for South African visitors remains unshaken. The Leadership Conference serves as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate on national objectives. In his inaugural speech, TBCSA Board Chair Blacky Komani stressed the significance of private-public sector collaboration, stating, "We're equipped with the resources and expertise to collaboratively address industry challenges."
To further bolster industry recovery, especially the overseas market, a significant injection into destination marketing is required, alongside addressing safety and security concerns. It's imperative to establish an advanced e-visa system, streamline visa procedures, and enhance airport infrastructure. Conversations are already in progress regarding visa waivers for specific visitor groups.
During the conference's Q& A session, Home Affairs Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi unveiled expansion plans for the e-visa system and acknowledged visa issuance backlog issues. He emphasized ensuring the right individuals enter South Africa. The focus is also on bolstering tourist safety and security through public-private collaborations. Ensuring local communities are stakeholders in tourism is vital for security and sustainability.
Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille reaffirmed the government's pledge to surmount challenges hampering tourism growth in South Africa. "To stimulate the economy, enhance job prospects, and streamline business operations, we must amplify our marketing efforts with a unified message," commented De Lille.
