Tourism small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) have welcomed the initiative by SA Tourism to include a workshop as part of its recently launched Summer Campaign.

Around 70 SMMEs from various parts of the Northern Cape formed part of proceedings at Naba Lodge in Upington last weekend and were exposed to a masterclass on doing business in a COVID-19 environment, as well as expert advice on marketing and embracing digital technology. 

These workshops aim to empower SMMEs, who play a vital part in the tourism value chain, and will take place in every province throughout the summer campaign. 

“In drawing our tourism SMMEs from the sidelines and injecting a sense of doing business differently and striving to be the best, it will bring with it the results we desire and sustainable businesses,” said Speaker of the Dawid Kruiper Municipality, Marayna Basson.

Upington-based tour operator, Johannes Springbok, saw the marketing component of the workshop as one of the most significant takeaways.

“Before today, we never had the proper tools or full understanding of marketing, but the session today empowered us and gave us the tools to go out there and improve.”

The full-day programme, a collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism, SA Tourism and the Northern Cape Tourism Agency, ensured that delegates were better equipped with skills and tools to improve the way they run their businesses.

These workshops will continue throughout the Summer Campaign, with the next workshop scheduled for North West Province next weekend.