This week’s comment relates to an article about the Department of Tourism’s R1bn (€51.5m) budget cut.
One of our readers, and founder of Crystal Events Africa, Tes Proos, said the following:
“Whilst this is a dreadful blow, DMCs and tour operators have always been responsible for marketing their respective destinations with the support of the tourism authorities.
The reality is that there will be fewer agencies left in the wake of the COVID-19 tragedy and many African tourism bureaus’ budgets will be cut.
But, as they say in the classics – "never waste a good crisis".
This is the perfect storm in which to collaborate. Let's get the message out there that we are open for business, with all protocols in place to ensure that our guests feel secure.
We may not have permission for inter-provincial or international travel just yet but let's prepare for it. Get the awareness going so that people will book when we reopen!”
Interaction with our readers is an exciting part of what we do at Tourism Update. Reading comments on articles, seeing likes and shares on social media and getting feedback emails are constant reminders of the passionate audience we serve.
