Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, will be holding more webinars, focused on specific themes, and has encouraged the tourism industry to continue to engage with her office and raise concerns and questions.
This is according to Ministerial spokesperson, Hlengiwe Nnhlabathi-Mokota, who spoke to Travel News’ sister publication Tourism Update, following industry backlash against the Minister after last week’s webinar hosted by SA Tourism ceo, Sisa Ntshona.
“We felt we needed to address the trade and give them an update on where we are as an industry. This webinar, and the upcoming ones, provide that platform,” said Hlengiwe.
Many who attended last week’s webinar took to social media and industry discussion platforms, including Tourism Update, to express their disappointment in what they termed a lack of leadership from the Minister.
“Minister of Tourism had a shocker last night and was truly disappointing. We’re all feeling deflated after what could have and should have been a rallying cry, and an opportunity, to instil some confidence and positivity during these crazy times. We needed leadership, but this did not happen,” wrote one post on the #Tourisminmyblood Facebook page.
“What did we expect from our Tourism Minister? I think a plan with some confidence would have been a good starting point. Not even a good plan, but just some hope would have worked. If the Education Department can come up with some plan to slowly open schools (even though not foolproof, as we are seeing), I am sure the National Department of Tourism can do the same,” wrote Juan Nel on Tourism Update’s commentary platform.
All in the tourism industry are resilient and most have built their businesses from scratch “so we always make a plan”, he said. He added that regulations were needed to give the industry the opportunity to survive.
Mmamoloko’s understanding of the sector was also questioned by many. However, ceo of the Tourism Business Council of SA, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, said government was keenly aware of what an intricate part the tourism industry played in driving South Africa’s engine of economic growth.
He said TBCSA was at the coalface to ensure the tourism industry was protected as much as possible amid this crisis, and beyond, noting that TBCSA was in regular contact with the Minister, her key staff members and other government decision-makers.
“We have weekly meetings with her and we continue to lobby and influence policy to ensure we can mitigate the negative impact on the industry and, subsequently, on the economy as a whole,” said Tshifhiwa.
Yet, as one industry member said, on condition of anonymity, it was time to move past words of comfort about how government understands the plight and on to real action.
