South Africa’s private sector has lauded the adoption of a refreshed policy framework for tourism development as a major step forward in government’s commitment to working with industry leaders in fine-tuning approaches advancing the sector.
The Department of Tourism’s White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa was gazetted on October 4, following nationwide consultations and consideration of approximately 3 500 public comments.
Replacing the original white paper of the same name (published in 1996), the policy framework envisions a tourism sector that “consistently leverages innovation and digital technology as the basis of creative and compelling tourism experiences, builds partnerships to strengthen tourism’s impact, addresses barriers to tourism growth and responds to the country’s social cohesion imperatives.”
South Africa’s leading private-sector associations including FEDHASA, SATSA and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), have commended the level of consultation and participation in developing the framework.
“It’s important that it was a consultative and collaborative process. The industry now needs to throw its support behind the initiatives laid out in the document, including the development of enhanced standards, so that we can ensure the safety and well-being of guests and visitors across South Africa,” said FEDHASA National Chairperson Rosemary Anderson.
SATSA CEO David Frost told Tourism Update the framework’s emphasis on building partnerships is encouraging.
“SATSA has repeatedly emphasised the need for structured engagement to ensure the public and private sectors are working in unison. We are encouraged by the white paper, which calls for stronger partnerships and stakeholder engagement to achieve tourism goals.”
Among other mechanisms, the white paper proposes the creation of a forum where government leaders regularly interact with tourism stakeholders from the public and private sectors to ensure co-creation of tourism plans.
‘Clear guide’ for road ahead
TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa said the paper provides a clear guide on the policy direction the sector needs to pursue and high-level potential solutions to some of the key challenges facing the industry.
“The next step is to ensure that legislation is developed to support key elements in the white paper. We must also remain mindful of the changing global landscape to avoid limiting ourselves when transitioning to the next stage, which is the legislative framework,” Tshivhengwa stressed.
He emphasised the need for alignment with the Tourism Sector Master Plan published in October last year. It seeks to ensure a comprehensive approach to tourism development through protecting and rejuvenating supply, reigniting demand and strengthening enabling capacity.
“It is essential that the master plan is aligned with the white paper. The white paper addresses long-term policy considerations and the master plan must determine whether these can be implemented in five-year increments to achieve the broader vision and goals,” Tshivhengwa pointed out.
The white paper additionally proposes actionable mechanisms for:
- Improving governance and cooperation
- Enhancing safety and security
- Improving air access
- Accelerating transformation
- Strengthening quality assurance, quality visitor services and tourist guiding
- Enhancing destination resilience
- Embracing technology
- Dealing with crisis management
- Stimulating skills development
- Prioritising rural and peri-urban tourism
- Bolstering destination marketing and branding
- Developing a sustainable growth model
‘Real commitment’ on display
Anderson pointed to the consistency of leadership provided by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and the appointment of a new board for South African Tourism as measures that are bolstering tourism governance.
She further commended steps taken by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber to implement visa reforms and invest in the digitisation of visa processing platforms, including e-visa services for key source markets.
“If Minister De Lille and Minister Schreiber can work together to deliver a fully digitised system in the next five years, it will be transformative for the industry,” said Anderson.
The new white paper puts the spotlight firmly on the role – and potential – of tourism and hospitality in South Africa, she added.
“The sector feels poised for real growth. FEDHASA will continue to advocate on behalf of our members, work with Minister De Lille wherever possible and collaborate with our partners, including The Restaurant Collective and SA Chefs Association, to meet the goals and objectives set out in the white paper – for the benefit of all.”
