State must smooth way for tourism growth

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa in his maiden state of the nation address provided his vision to the nation and created much-needed optimism.

We can’t restore human dignity if our economy is not growing to create the jobs – that is the most immediate task facing the government.

Since 1994, tourism has shown sustained growth, which has exceeded GDP growth.

Ramaphosa noted during Sona, “Tourism is another area which provides our country with incredible opportunities to, quite literally, shine. Tourism currently sustains 700 000 direct jobs and is performing better than most other growth sectors.

“There is no reason why it can’t double in size. We have the most beautiful country in the world and the most hospitable people.

“This year, we will enhance support for destination marketing in key tourism markets, and take further measures to reduce regulatory barriers and develop emerging tourism businesses.”

In 2016, the number of international arrivals to South Africa increased by 16% and while this was highly lauded in the country, I was of the opinion this was an underachievement.

Considering the immense tourism potential of South Africa, we should be talking 30% growth.

The major structural challenges that impact tourism have not been addressed, such as airlift (and air access) and our unfriendly visa laws.

Visa laws stifle the movement of people and economic growth. Open skies and visa friendliness are two measures that would double the number of tourists immediately.

Africa receives less than 10% of global tourism receipts, because of visa unfriendliness and lack of open skies.

African countries know this truth, but choose to maintain the status quo.

Tourism, which is labour-intensive, is associated with the growth in jobs.

The two elephants in the room stifling the growth of tourism are the Department of Transportation (air access) and the Department of Home Affairs (visas).

Ramaphosa will be fully aware of this reality, as he had been tasked as deputy president to find a win-win solution in the inter-ministerial committee on immigration regulations between tourism growth and homeland security.

The tourism industry has been consistently raising these issues.

Tourism requires a collaborative effort within government and assistance in growing the industry.

The Western Cape initiated its own radical economic transformation using tourism by initiating the Cape Town Air Access Initiative that has ensured that Cape Town International Airport welcomed more than 10 million arrivals.

The result has been more international arrivals in Cape Town, using tourism to drive the Western Cape economy.

Tourism is a proven partner for growth that requires a responsive state.