Bringing tourism back to Sandton
WHAT can the City of Joburg do to get tourism back? This was the question posed by the city’s member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for the department of economic development, Lawrence Khoza, at the first of a series of meetings held with the Sandton Tourism and Business Association.
He said that business needs to stop blaming Covid and work to create a differentiated offering. The MMC’s department is working to unlock investment in different areas to create new tourism avenues, such as medical, mining and sport tourism, he said. His office is working to engage with the private sector to develop tourism as they recognise the challenge in getting the economy functioning on every level again.
Sandton tourism, however, is picking up, said Sandton Central Management District (SCMD) District Improvement manager, Elaine Jack.
“Entertainment and events might look a little different nowadays, but the good news is that life has become a little bit less lonely in the lighter lockdown levels.
“Sandton Central is safely reigniting
the experience economy with more socialising opportunities that South Africans love, and the response to this safe social scene is increasingly positive.
“After more than 14 months of Covid-19 locally, South Africans are learning to live as safely as possible with the pandemic, and we’re able to return to something that is closer to everyday life responsibly.
“Our research has shown that more people are itching to reconnect with family and friends, craving unique and memorable experiences, and the more adventurous want to enjoying local outings, day-trips and staycations,” she said.