Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, expressed confidence in the plans the department has for the sector’s recovery.
Speaking during the Tourism budget vote presentation in Parliament yesterday (May 18), Mahlalela said he was proud of the collective resilience and determination of industry players in ensuring the successful implementation of initiatives set to steer the sector on a path to recovery.
“Our strategy for the 2021/22 financial year, is anchored around commitments as espoused in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, as well as the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan. The latter aims to ultimately resume and catapult tourism operations to the pre-COVID-19 level, in an inherently safe manner.
“We will continue with our efforts to strengthen the local government infrastructure and service to grow tourism, and accelerate service delivery through the District Development Model. Prioritised initiatives from our tourism spatial masterplans will be integrated into the plans for the OR Tambo District, eThekwini Metro, Pixley Ka Seme District and Namakwa District,” said Mahlalela.
In his presentation, the Minister said South African Tourism would be piloting a Basic Quality Verification Programme that would be geared at homestays. The programme will not only ensure quality assured products for new entrants, but will also create job opportunities for quality assurers.
Assuring the safety of domestic and international visitors, the Department will, in the 2021/22 financial year, train 225 SMMEs nationally on norms and standards for safe tourism operations to inspire traveller confidence and to enable safe travel.
As the country accelerated its vaccination programme, adherence to measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19 would remain an important component of the business of tourism, added Mahlalela.
“In spite of an increase in the hosting of virtual and hybrid conferences, limitations on mass gatherings brought about by COVID-19 preventative measures have had a profound impact on the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector. We will continue to support small and medium-sized events that drive domestic tourism, through partnerships and an enhanced National Convention Bureau at SA Tourism, capable and agile to harness their potential.”
Glimpse of hope
Mahlalela’s presentation also offered assurance and a glimpse of hope for the youth who have been eagerly awaiting the resumption of the Department’s skills development programmes that were halted due to the pandemic.
“The 2020/21 financial year has been difficult, more especially for our young people, who were looking forward to enrolling and participating in our skills programmes. Our youth programmes in Food Safety Quality Assurers, Chefs training, Wine Service Training Programme (Sommelier) and Hospitality, will continue in the 2021/22 year.
“In addition to continuing with our Educators Development Programme, we are pleased to announce that this year we will host a revitalised National Tourism Careers Expo,” said Mahlalela.
In his concluding remarks, the Deputy Minister said the sector would reopen in a responsible manner that is anchored on the sustainability pillars of people, planet and prosperity. Incentivised programmes on water and energy conservations, community-based tourism initiatives and empowerment schemes, will continue to champion sustainability in the tourism industry.
“We further seek to implement initiatives to promote integrity and ethical conduct, and strengthen systems to detect, control and eliminate any opposite actions to these values. The public service has the regulatory frameworks and the operational tools to address these matters.
“The road to recovery will have to be transformative and we will therefore continue to enhance our visitor experience, while seeking to advance broader ownership and participation, especially by historically disadvantaged communities.
“The Department remains committed to grow the tourism sector towards creating a more inclusive and transformed South Africa,” concluded Mahlalela.
