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 Tourism Update today (April 30) following industry backlash against the Minister after yesterday’s webinar hosted by South African Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona.
“We felt we needed to address the trade and give them an update on where we are as an industry. And this webinar, and the upcoming ones, provide that platform,” said Nnhlabathi-Mokota, reiterating that Kubayi-Ngubane and her team were very open to ongoing dialogue and collaboration with industry.
Many who attended yesterday’s webinar took to social media and industry discussion platforms – including on Tourism Update – to express their disappointment in what many 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 the Tourism Update Disqus platform.
He noted that all in the tourism industry were resilient and most had built their businesses from scratch “so we always make a plan” but added that regulations were needed to give the industry the opportunity to survive.
Kubayi-Ngubane’s understanding of the sector was also questioned by many but CEO of the Tourism Business Council of SA, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, was quick to point out to Tourism Update recently that 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 Kubayi-Ngubane, 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 Tshivhengwa.
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.
Referencing Tourism and Hospitality Adviser, Gillian Saunders’ recent comments in an earlier Tourism Update article, where she highlighted that governments worldwide might have miscalculated the economic impacts of their containment measures when it came to tourism, Director of Dinokeng JunXion, Alan Roxton Wiggill, highlighted his concern that there was no real plan yet on how to get tourism going again.
“The TBCSA has launched a protocol action that may lead to something, but will it go further and lead the recovery plan co-ordination from private sector?” he said.
