SMEs are the backbone of the tourism industry, according to Craig Drysdale, Director of Inspirations Travel & Tours.

He received the Empowerment Award at South African Tourism’s Inspirational Awards held at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 in Durban last month. And, though he acknowledged that it was a “profound honour” to receive the award, Dysdale said he believed the true champions, the winners of this award, were the small and medium-sized business entrepreneurs in the tourism industry who strived to make their mark every day in a very challenging and sometimes biased environment.

“Their relentless efforts, which I have personally witnessed, deserve the spotlight.” Drysdale has, for the past four years, been actively involved in various incubator projects across South Africa, with the last two years dedicated to the new SATSA Incubator.

“The current SATSA program was created and managed by Sigma International, a highly successful impact company that has been running incubation programs for over two decades across various sectors, including tourism,” he said.

In his own words, Drysdale shares some personal reflections and insights gained from his journey so far.

Key insights

• Collaboration is Key: Empowerment in the tourism industry is deeply rooted in collaboration. By working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we can create a more robust and inclusive industry. Collaboration brings diverse perspectives and expertise to the table, which can lead to innovative solutions and enhanced experiences for tourists. It fosters a culture of mutual respect and collective growth, where everyone benefits from shared successes. In practical terms, collaboration can involve partnerships between businesses, joint marketing initiatives, and cross-training programmes. These efforts not only improve service quality but also create a network of support that strengthens the entire industry.
• Support for SMEs: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are vital to the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector. Providing them with the necessary resources, training, and mentorship is crucial for their success and our industry. SMEs often drive innovation and offer unique, authentic experiences that attract tourists. However, they face significant challenges, including limited access to capital, resources, and markets. By offering targeted support, such as financial assistance, business development programmes, and networking opportunities, we can help these businesses thrive. Mentorship from experienced industry leaders can also provide invaluable guidance and support, enabling SMEs to navigate challenges and seize opportunities more effectively.
• Innovation through Incubation: Incubation programmes like the SATSA Incubator play a pivotal role in nurturing new ideas and innovations. These programmes provide entrepreneurs with the tools and support needed to turn their visions into reality. Incubation programmes offer a structured environment where entrepreneurs can develop their ideas with the support of industry experts. This includes access to funding, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. By fostering a culture of innovation, these programmes help bring fresh perspectives and solutions to the tourism industry. Successful incubation can lead to the development of new products and services, enhance the competitiveness of the industry, and drive economic growth.
• Long-Term Commitment: Empowerment is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. It requires long-term commitment and sustained efforts to make a lasting impact. Empowerment involves ongoing support and engagement, ensuring that individuals and businesses have the resources and opportunities they need to grow and succeed over time. This can include continuous education and training programmes, long-term funding initiatives, and policies that promote sustainable growth. A long-term commitment ensures that empowerment efforts are not just temporary fixes but contribute to lasting positive change within the industry.
• Celebrating Successes: While it's important to recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations, celebrating the collective successes of the community is equally important. It fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. Recognition of individual achievements can motivate and inspire others, but celebrating collective successes builds a stronger, more cohesive community. This can be done through industry awards, public acknowledgment of collaborative projects, and community events that highlight shared accomplishments. By celebrating successes together, we reinforce the value of teamwork and collaboration and inspire continued efforts towards common goals. This sense of unity and shared purpose can drive the industry forward, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Gratitude to our supporters

In conclusion, I would like to extend a deep and sincere thank you to the following companies that came on board as official sponsors of the SATSA Incubator right from the start, without hesitation, as they shared our values and vision. Together, we have made a significant impact on nearly one hundred individuals and companies over the past two years. Thank you sincerely to New Frontiers Tours, Europcar, Bid Travel, Airlink, City Lodge Hotels, Protea Hotels, Tourvest, and Dream Hotels & Resorts.

I also want to extend my gratitude to the many other key companies that were involved and contributed to other incubator projects: Sigma International, Sun International, Southern Sun, e-DMC, WETU, TripClip, SABI SABI, Ilios Travel, Springbok Atlas, Pembury Tours, Premier Hotels, More Hotels, Goodersons Hotels & Resorts, Authentic Retreats, Big Tree Marketing, Constitutional Hill, Cape Country Routes, Extraordinary, KUSA Africa, Rovos Rail, An African Anthology, Big Ambitions, and Legacy Hotels.

Your assistance with the incubators, especially during the many hours of product knowledge and webinar sessions at our weekly ‘Virtual Couch Sessions,’ has been invaluable. This award is also your award.

As we move forward, let us continue to support and uplift each other, recognising that true empowerment lies in the collective progress of our industry. The journey may be challenging, but together, we can achieve remarkable milestones.