Tourism sector and Netflix in initiative

AFTER three days of engagements at the Africa Travel and Tourism Summit, the Department of Tourism is confident that ideas from discussions will awaken the sector in the country.

A strong focus was placed on the revival of small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in townships and rural areas.

Department of Tourism Deputy Minister Fish Mahlalela said SMMEs could assist in the sector’s return to pre-Covid performance levels. “The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan also makes provision for the establishment of a support hub to provide non-financial support to tourism businesses so as to increase the resilience of SMMEs during the pandemic and beyond,” he said.

In another boost for the sector, SA Tourism and Netflix have announced a Made in South Africa content collection featuring over 80 South African films, series, documentaries and reality TV shows. This initiative is meant to drive

international arrivals to the country. Netflix's director of public policy for sub-Saharan Africa, Shola Sanni, said this partnership would showcase the best of local culture.

“There is a connection that happens when people view content and stories on Netflix. What we found is that this power can be a cultural ambassador for South Africa and the continent.”

Sanni said the content was a powerful vehicle for creating deeper cultural affinity that could drive tourism.