June 2018
Last month saw Durban’s Albert Luthuli Convention Centre host Africa’s Travel Indaba. One of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and designed to showcase the widest variety of Southern Africa’s best tourism products, the Indaba focussed the spotlight of travel, tourism and all related industries as drivers of economic growth and job creation.
“Africa is indeed open for business, and offers a world of opportunity,” said Tourism Minister, Derek Hannekom. “Tourism growth, and sharing the benefits of tourism, contributes to replacing poverty and despair with prosperity and hope,” he added.
His welcoming speech highlighted the sector as one which can change the direction of not only South Africa, but the continent as a whole. “Let’s ensure that tourism makes a positive and meaningful contribution to the lives of all the people of Africa,” he said.
So, Enterprise Africa has focussed its June edition around the travel and tourism industry to understand more about how this important industry is growing.
We talk to senior figures from SATIB Insurance Brokers, a travel and tourism focussed risk specialist; Tintswalo Lodges, a luxury accommodation business; and Fancourt, a world-class hospitality business on the Garden Route.
The message from all is clear, and the same as that given by Hannekom – Africa is open for business. All are unequivocal in their approach; whether it’s domestic or international visitors, all are welcome and all will gain an experience like nothing else on earth.
The government is keen to invest in this industry as its potential for creating employment is big. In the past five years, more than 40,000 sustainable tourism-related jobs have been generated, and there is more to come. But, of course, success comes off the back of a stable and attractive political and economic environment, one which President Ramaphosa is trying to install. Tourism is an industry to watch, and one which likely receive more investment in the near future.
Tell us about your experiences with travel and tourism in Africa, we’re online @EnterpriseAfri1