TOURISM & COVID-19 BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE
Responsible
Tourism in SA A case for change - responsible tourism is the need of the hour
S
ince the start of 2020, tourism and travel across Africa has taken a huge knock, due to travel restrictions and the implementation of lockdown. South Africa has witnessed a drop in tourist visits of 71% - from just over 15.8 million in 2019 to less than 5 million in 2020 (reported by Statistics South Africa). With fears of social gatherings and contracting the Covid-19 virus, many South Africans have been hesitant to do much travelling, both locally and internationally. As pandemic fatigue sets in, we all realise that a break is long overdue, however. Thus, responsible tourism is top of the agenda as we now move into the Third Wave. The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (TSRP) The tourism sector makes an essential contribution to the South African economy. In terms of its significant value chain and incredible scope for labour absorption. Tourism is South Africa’s tool for economic development, playing a significant
role in responding to the country’s socio-economic challenges. In light of this, the government has developed the The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (TSRP), which aims to target, coordinate action to reduce the effects of the pandemic, and set the Tourism sector on a path to recovery and long-term sustainability.
Enjoy simple activities in nature that involve minimal physical activity and human contact. “This [Covid-19] crisis is an opportunity to rethink the tourism sector and its contribution to the people and planet; an opportunity to build back better towards a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector that ensures the benefits of tourism are enjoyed widely and fairly”, commented the Secretary-General of the United Nations’ World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Mr Zurab Pololikashvili.
78 | Public Sector Leaders | June 2021
The Recovery Plan, made available earlier this year, is based on the following themes: • The protection and rejuvenation of supply • Reactivating the demand for tourism • Strengthening and enabling long term sustainability These anchoring themes involve the implementation of the following seven strategic interventions geared towards supporting the revival of the sector: 1.
2. 3.
4.
5.
Implement norms and standards for safe operation across the tourism value chain to enable Safe travel and rebuild traveller confidence. Stimulate domestic demand through targeted initiatives and campaigns. Strengthening the supply-side through resource mobilisation and investment facilitation. Support for the protection of core tourism infrastructure and assets.
