Mandarin and Russian classes to ‘boost tourism’
JOHANNESBURG: China and Russia are the biggest new tourism markets to South Africa. In a bid to ensure that the country keeps this market, the Department of Tourism has added an incentive.
Yesterday it launched a language programme to teach South African tourism front-line staff, including tour guides and hotel staff, Mandarin and Russian.
There are 30 tourism staff who are currently finishing a two-month language training programme.
“We do this to ensure that we are globally competitive. We also need to ensure that we improve satisfaction levels. If more tourists come to the country we are able to create suitable job opportunities. Masses of first-time international travellers are pouring out of China and the other Brics countries; this project supports this trend,” said deputy minister of tourism Thokozile Xasa.
The Chinese have been an important trade partner with South Africa. Last year alone during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, a total of 26 agreements worth R94 billion were signed. Both China and Russia have recorded a steady increase in the number of tourists visiting South Africa.
In 2015, between January and July, 40 953 Chinese visited South Africa. In the same period this year, the number increased with 8 858 more tourists visiting, statistics released by the Department of Tourism show.
Also, last year between January and July, 3 630 Russian tourists visited South Africa. In the same period this year the number increased to 4 089.
Xasa said the foreign language process will foster better working relations with not only China but other Brics member states.
“South Africa has proposed establishing a coordinating forum for tourism within Brics; cooperation on tourism is critical to maintain our competitive edge in an increasingly competitive global environment,” she said
Small business owners in the industry said the programme will go a long way to improving relations with their customers.
Among those was Kabelo Mothupi, owner of a start-up tour operating company, Merakeng Tours and Adventures. Having spent almost two months in the programme Mothupi can hold down a conversation in Mandarin.
“This will help us develop that intimate relationship with our clients. Tourists will keep on coming to South Africa and we, as small businesses, are going to benefit a lot. It’s worthwhile.”