Women in tourism are taking a stand

WOMEN in tourism are taking a stand – literally.

The National Women in Tourism (NWiT) organisation has been given its own space at the Department of Tourism’s Africa Travel Indaba.

Makhosi Msimango, managing director of Ndzenga Tours and Safari Tours and KZN chairperson of NWiT, says this is “a big deal”.

“It’s the first time we will have a stand at the Indaba and will allow our members to host meetings with potential travel buyers. It’s a big deal because other associations do not offer this kind of platform, especially free of charge. It speaks to the recovery plan that businesses in the tourism sectors are facing, that everyone is trying to get back on their feet through the struggle of getting market access and assistance,” she said.

“The initiative was launched in 2013 by the Department of Tourism. Its main objective is to create an enabling environment for womenowned businesses to thrive through recognition, representation, respect, and being rewarded within the tourism value chain.

“Our aim is to empower, transform, and develop sustainable women leaders within the tourism and hospitality industry by promoting gender equality and the advancement of women and youth,” said Msimango.

She said they would do pre-Indaba readiness training on finances and marketing for its members from May 6. The Indaba runs from May 9-11 at Durban’s ICC.

She said membership required an annual fee and thereafter everything is free.

“All the nine provincial chairpersons will be present at the Indaba as they represent their members through networking and marketing platforms,” Msimango said.

The organisation represents women in many tourism niches, including hotels, guest lodges, tour operators, tourist guides, attractions and travel agencies that are owned and managed by women.

NWiT is an initiative of the Department of Tourism and has been “extremely successful” at developing women-owned businesses across the globe and South Africa into key economic players through “transformative programmes, sustainable development sessions, and training through collaborations and partnerships,” Msimango said.

“The NWiT is ready to do business and connect with African trade as we do with the global market. We expect this platform to create awareness that government, municipalities, SOEs and the private sector can use it as a springboard to boost economic injection to women-owned businesses.”

NWiT wants the government to give it the opportunity to participate in all issues concerned with tourism. “For example, women must be given a chance to run and manage all dormant and whiteelephant government tourism establishments,” she said.

Msimango encouraged women in tourism to join this platform by emailing info@nationalwit. org.za