Despite its potential as a major economic driver, tourism continues to struggle to influence government policy – not only in South Africa but across the SADC region.
This was one of the topics tackled during a panel discussion at the SADC Tourism Alliance Think Tank in Johannesburg on August 6, focusing on strategies to boost air access to the region.
Lee-Anne Bac, Director: Advisory Services at BDO South Africa, pointed out that tourism largely remains excluded from serious economic decision-making, especially in areas that directly impact its growth such as air access.
“We’ve got no clout and no influence. Tourism just isn’t recognised as a serious economic sector by most political players,” she said. To finally gain a seat at the table, it is vital that tourism starts working more closely with sectors that drive economies within regions, she added.
Bac pointed to the success of Cape Town’s Air Access strategy as an example of a cross-sector collaboration achievement. Crucially, she said, the initiative was not led by a tourism board but by Wesgro – the Western Cape’s economic development agency.
“Tourism was involved but the project was driven by an economic body with far more influence. We need to stop going it alone,” said Bac.
It is important to create regional structures – within SADC and individual countries – that bring tourism into a multi-sectoral policy framework, she added.
“South Africa has to grow by 9% per annum to reach our 15 million by 2030 target. At this rate, it’s not happening. We know the benefits it can bring to our economy – but we have to bring the right people into the room, not just tourism.”
