I raised this in an official response to the Department ahead of the closing date for comments. While changes to legislation and the operating environment of tourism in South Africa are necessary and welcome, many of the proposals put forward in the Green Paper lack detail, a logical framework, or an understanding of the every day realities of the industry’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.
For example, the paper places far too little emphasis on the growth of the tourism economy as a primary goal. With this as a focus, the Department would be better placed to address the issues that stifle growth while giving greater direction on the implementation of various strategies.
As a counter sample, I have spoken numerous times to industry leaders and roleplayers about my mission to help create a tourism-related job in every household in Cape Town. This mission rests on a clear, five-legged strategy: increased flights; boosting cruise travel; driving up events and conferences; helping SMMEs to develop their products and services; and pushing out clever campaigns backed up by real bookings to our city and its attractions.
The Green Paper also makes vague yet worrying proposals for policies around the implementation of regulations and “thresholds on short-term rentals in line with internal best practices” with no further information on the aspects of these regulations. The Department must provide further details and ensure that their regulations don’t treat individuals renting out single rooms or a holiday house to earn an additional income the same as large hotels and others who rent out multiple properties.
The City of Cape Town is a leading example of how to grow the local tourism economy. Forward bookings for the coming months show that the Mother City will enjoy a bumper visitor season that will boost job opportunities and our economy. My team and I will gladly participate in engagements with the Tourism Department to share best practise for the benefit of other metros and the country at large.
