Sanlam Gauge workshop highlights lack of progress in a sector that is critical to the economy and a driver of jobsThe South African tourism industry is a key economic driver, contributing 9% to GDP and 4.5% of jobs. The sector was hardest hit by Covid-19, with tourist volumes decreasing by 72.6% in 2020, resulting in huge job losses. To recover, transformation needs to be on top of the agenda, agree industry leaders.
The workshop was punctuated with robust debates, with some participants stating that there was no significant transformation at grassroots level, where it is most needed. Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming reiterated the importance of transforming the industry and said his organisation was fully committed. However, he explained, there were unintended setbacks such as losing top black professionals to other sectors. He also highlighted the challenge of having few women in senior leadership positions in an industry where they are the majority.
Nesang Maleka, director of Mzansi Tourism Experience and the youngest member of the Tourism Transformation Council of SA, also advocated for deliberate skills development and meaningful inclusion of young people in the value chain of the sector, beyond just arts and crafts. He called for the overhaul of the tourism curriculum, especially at Technical Vocational Education & Training colleges, which are tertiary institutions of choice for youth in townships and rural areas.
“We miss the point of what tourism can do to transform the economy and turn around societies. Fundamentally, it has to go beyond just scoring points on the scorecard, but drive economic growth in the sector.”
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