JOHANNESBURG, 29 FEBRUARY 2024 – The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) welcomes the appointment of the new South African Tourism (SAT) Board, chaired by Makhosazana Khanyile, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nombulelo Guliwe.
The long-awaited appointment of the board and CEO are an important step forward in the growth of South Africa’s tourism industry, which is a key driver of job creation and economic growth in South Africa, says FEDHASA National Chair, Rosemary Anderson.
“We have been particularly encouraged by the Minister and Interim Board’s commitment to private-sector collaboration. The tourism industry is a complex ecosystem, and we can only achieve our full potential by working together. We are confident that the new board and CEO will be strong advocates for the industry and will work closely with us to develop and implement effective strategies to grow tourism,” Anderson adds.
FEDHASA is particularly interested in working with the new SA Tourism leadership on the following priorities:
- Marketing South Africa as a preferred tourist destination: We need a targeted and effective marketing campaign that showcases the uniqueness of our country to the world.
- Improving the visitor experience: We must work together to ensure that all visitors to South Africa have a positive and memorable experience. This includes improving visa processing times, enhancing their safety, and improving air access.
- Growing domestic tourism: The domestic tourism market is a vital source of revenue for the hospitality sector, and we need to do more to encourage South Africans to travel within their own country.
- Creating jobs: The tourism industry is a major job creator, particularly for the youth and women. Only by working together will we be able to create more opportunities for unemployed South Africans.
“FEDHASA is confident that the new SA Tourism leadership shares FEDHASA’s priorities and is committed to focussing on these in collaboration with the private sector. We look forward to working with them to make the tourism industry an even greater success story for South Africa,” Anderson concludes.
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About FEDHASA
Founded in 1949, a restructured and transformed FEDHASA (Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa) is recognised by Government as the official representative of the hospitality industry of South Africa. With industry support, FEDHASA remains the umbrella association for hotels, restaurants, conference centres, caterers, self-catering accommodation, home hosting establishments (B&Bs and guest houses), clubs, taverns, shebeens, suppliers and trainers, consultants and service providers to the hospitality industry. For more information, visit https://fedhasa.co.za/
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