9 minute read
VIEWPOINTS
#CHOOSETOCHALLENGE
In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “Choose a challenge instead of competence”. We need to break free from the limitations of the status quo, says Thami Nkadimeng.
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Irecently sat down for a conversation with Carice Anderson, the author of Intelligence Isn’t Enough, and it got me thinking… while intelligence certainly plays an important role in how we strategise and move forward, what is the one ingredient that will help us get the industry back on track?
March was a month that afforded us the opportunity to openly and intentionally choose to challenge the status quo of all the arenas in which we work. This is, of course, under the umbrella of the International Women’s Day drive, #ChooseToChallenge. In choosing to challenge, I challenged my mind to think of the ways that could assist in guiding and growing all aspects of the tourism industry, starting with intelligence. KEY INTELLIGENCES
Intrapersonal intelligence suggests that we should understand ourselves – what we feel and what we want. In real-world application, the trick is to start by exploring what outcomes we want to achieve but also accepting that this cannot be done alone because our diversity stems from our individuality and unique thinking. Without digging too deep into the science, we can then begin homing in on our collective interpersonal intelligence and pooling our knowledge resources.
Logical intelligence encourages us to quantify things and prove them using hypotheses; it is defined as “a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation”. The hypothesis that comes to mind for me is the one of eventuality: all things come to an end. This means the struggles we currently face as an industry will eventually come to an end. And when that end comes, we will need to take a step back and take stock of what we have spent time doing to ensure that all the lessons we have come to experience do not go to waste and, indeed, contribute to the future of tourism. In your time ‘pivoting’, ask yourself whether you have created a better way of collaborating with other stakeholders, or if you found time to explore innovations that propel us towards valuable future experiences and services?
The last area of intelligence I want to focus on is linguistics and the ability to find the right words to express yourself. We have been living through the pandemic for just over a year now and the narrative must change. Yes, frustration has been a dark cloud over our heads but we are at a stage where we have to use the right words to build the future we want and one that is attractive to future travellers and clientele. The future is spoken into existence and then constructed, and we need to be able to choose how to express what we mean with worthwhile and beneficial intent for all.
To conclude, perhaps intelligence is enough in building a productive and progressive tourism industry, but only if we are willing to be inclusive in our approach. We can establish our space in the future of our local, regional and international tourism arenas if we choose to challenge the status quo and see the potential we possess, both individually and collectively, and from all angles.
A moderator, MC and facilitator, Thami Nkadimeng is a message architect who creates impactful messages through both conversation as well as through non-verbal, written and visual communication.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Peter McKuchane, GM: Business Tourism and Events at the Northern Cape Tourism Authority, shares his vision for the future of the business events and tourism industry.
Where do you see the events industry currently? As with the leisure tourism industry, the business tourism sector has suffered extreme losses: conferences, meetings and incentive travel have come to an absolute standstill during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, while border closures and limited flights, together with health protocols, severely limit the number of attendees at events and conferences.
Where would you like to see the industry in the next five to ten years? We would like to entrench the Northern Cape as a competitive tourism events destination and establish the industry at large in a position to contribute to the growth of South Africa’s economy through job creation and increased business tourism arrivals to the destination.
What role does your organisation play in the industry? The Northern Cape Tourism Authority’s role is to create demand for MICE events within the Northern Cape and to create a conducive environment for buyers and sellers to host events to the benefit of the people of the province.
What is the most challenging aspect of what you do? Making people understand how important and relevant this industry is in terms of job creation and its potential contribution to the economy.
What do you enjoy the most about what you do? Knowing that every business event hosted within the Northern Cape contributes to the economy and upliftment of the people of the province.
What was the best piece of advice you ever received? Never give up!
What was your very first job? Administration at an insurance company. What drives you both personally and professionally? Positive emotions, competence, warmth, straightforwardness, truth.
What are some of your career highlights? Working at South African Tourism on campaigns to profile the country as a destination, setting up the Nan Fei exhibition in China to introduce South Africa to the Chinese people, and involvement with brand development for the Northern Cape Tourism and Free State Tourism authorities.
Who was your role model growing up? Nelson Mandela.
Who do you currently aspire to be like and why? Also Nelson Mandela – to be as forgiving, realistic and the epitome of a real human being.
What quote best describes your outlook towards life? “Be selective in your battles – sometimes, peace is better than being right.”
What do people most often wrongly assume about you? That I am a softie and, thus, can be manipulated.
What values will you not deviate from? Commitment, open-mindedness, honesty, loyalty.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time? Relax and spend time with family.
What was your best holiday? Visiting East London beaches with my family.
What are some of your ‘bucket list’ items?
Visiting Istanbul, Amsterdam and Paris with my life partner.
What is your favourite read? Intimations by Zadie Smith.
What three items do you never leave home without? Sad to say my mobile phone, blood sugar medication and car keys.
What is your most prized possession? Nothing really – I don’t consider myself to be at all materialistic.
