Home
FacebookSearchMenu
  • Subscribe (free)
  • Subscribe (free)
  • News
  • Features
  • TravelInfo
  • Columns
  • Community
  • Sponsored
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send Us News

Share

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

The business case for post-COVID recovery

24 Aug 2020 - by Erin Cusack
Comments | 0

Tourism businesses should be focusing on technology, upskilling employees, marketing strategies and pushing sales as they strive to recover from COVID, according to industry experts.

In a webinar hosted by World Travel Market recently, panellists discussed the steps small-, medium- and micro-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to take to fully recover from the impact of COVID.

Moderator of the webinar and founder of tourism SME network, SEEZA, Septi Bukula, told panellists that he had recently read a report from McKinsey and Company detailing how South African SMEs could survive and thrive post-COVID-19.

“It identifies four main areas where SMEs can take action to mitigate the effects of COVID-19,” said Septi. “The first area is that of leveraging technology to reach new customers or to provide a distinctive value proposition that gives businesses a competitive edge. The second one is developing clear market access strategies. The third and fourth are driving efficiency as well as sales and developing team skills and empowering leadership.”

Ceo of SA Tourism, Sisa Ntshona, noted that although these focus areas were directed at SMEs, the same principles applied to an organisation like SA Tourism.

“In terms of leveraging technology; our business model as a destination management agency is changing fundamentally and we are going digital, because we want direct access and interaction with the consumer,” said Sisa.

He added that SA Tourism was refining a clear market access strategy by analysing South Africa’s source markets as to how those countries were handling the virus, and where potential travellers may come from once the country is ready to welcome international visitors again.

Ceo of Pacific Tours and President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana, Kwesi Eyison, agreed saying that, much as in South Africa, the tourism sector in Ghana was using the opportunity presented by COVID to upskill employees and sharpen recovery strategies.

“There are short-term strategies that we have implemented, but as private sector entrepreneurs we have been looking at innovations and adaptability. We have looked at changes in our business model and transforming our business operations,” said Kwesi.

Sign up to our mailing list and get daily news headlines and weekly features directly to your inbox free.

Last-minute cruises? Still plenty of space

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Operating safely in a more conflict-ridden world

Column
Today 18:40
Comments | 0

Edelweiss adds Windhoek flights

Today 18:30
Comments | 0

Blaauwberg Beach Hotel unveils new event venue

Today 18:25
Comments | 0

Feature: Regent unveils new Spotlight Voyages

Today 18:20
Comments | 0

MK backtracks on sports equipment charge

Today 18:15
Comments | 0

Spain opens Roman temple to tourists

Today 18:10
Comments | 0

Air travel round-up: Qatar resumes several Middle East routes

Today 18:05
Comments | 0

Latest Changes on Travelinfo (03Jul'25)

Today 18:00
Comments | 0

OR Tambo queues spark airline warnings

Yesterday
Comments | 0

KQ and QR enter strategic partnership

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Coalition calls for premium-class air travel tax

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Feature: Fastjet flies to the heart of Zambia

Yesterday
Comments | 0
  • Load more

FeatureClick to view

MICE in cruising July 2025

Poll

Have your clients experienced longer queues than usual at security at OR Tambo International in recent weeks?
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Travel News on Facebook
  • eTNW Twitter
  • Travel News RSS
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send Us News