General filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in excerpt
Search in content
Source
Filter by Release categories
Accessible Tourism
Africa Tourism
Africa Travel
Agriculture
Association News
Aviation
Awards
Business Travel
Climate
Conservation
Corporate
Culture
Events
Female Travel
Food and Dining
Food and Drink
Hospitality and Travel
Industry Insights
Insurance
Leadership
Leisure Travel and Tourism
Cruising
Lifestyle and Entertainment
Luxury Travel
Press releases
Responsible Tourism
South Africa
South Africa Travel
Sport
Sustainable Travel
Tax
Tech
Tips
Trade News
Travel and Tourism
Travel News
Travel Tips
Trends

FEDHASA welcomes the publication of the new tourism white paper: A step towards sustainable, inclusive and meaningful growth for South Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector

JOHANNESBURG, 9 October 2024: The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) welcomes the publication of the Department of Tourism’s White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa.

The paper acknowledges the tourism sector’s significant contribution to South Africa’s GDP (8.2%) and job creation (employing 1.7 million people in 2023), looks at current challenges and opportunities, and provides a strategic roadmap for the industry – so it can realise its full potential.

“The publication of this white paper has come at an exciting time,” says Rosemary Anderson, FEDHASA National Chairperson. “Minister Patricia de Lille retained her portfolio as Minister of Tourism in the Government of National Unity, which has brought consistent leadership, a new Board at South African Tourism, and, together with Minister Leon Schreiber at Home Affairs, a real commitment to supporting the digitalisation of immigration procedures, including e-visas, for key source markets.”

For Anderson, visa reforms and digital transformation are critical for the future of the industry. “One of the biggest barriers at the moment is accessibility. If Minister De Lille and Minister Schreiber can work together to deliver a fully digitised system in the next five years, it will be transformative for the industry,” says Anderson.

Other barriers include safety and security, transformation and inclusion in the industry, and technological advancement, especially for emerging businesses and entrepreneurs.

“The tourism and hospitality industry sectors can have a massive impact on unemployment, poverty and inequality,” says Anderson. “FEDHASA is passionate about extending opportunities to South African youth, through skills development, training and job placements.”

Particularly significant for Anderson, is the level of consultation and participation in the development of the white paper.

“It’s been nearly thirty years since the last tourism white paper. It is significant. And it’s important that it was a consultative and collaborative process,” says Anderson. “The industry now needs to throw its support behind the initiatives laid out in the document, including the development of enhanced standards, so that we can ensure the safety and well-being of guests and visitors across South Africa.”

Anderson believes that the new white paper puts the spotlight firmly on the role – and potential – of tourism and hospitality in South Africa.

“The sector feels poised for real growth. FEDHASA will continue to advocate on behalf of our members, work with Minister de Lille wherever possible, and collaborate with our partners, including The Restaurant Collective and SA Chefs Association, to meet the goals and objectives set out in the white paper – for the benefit of all”.  

***ENDS***

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/ 

Issued by Big Ambitions Marketing

Kim Taylor

Email: kim@bigambitions.co.za

Tel: +27 (0)76 825 55508

Upcoming Articles

Media Downloads

Share Article

Get daily news updates to your inbox!

Subscribe to receives daily updates!

Trending now

Classical music under the stars: Inaugural Garden Town Classics concert to crown Stellenbosch’s popular Garden Town

Stellenbosch’s historic Town Hall will host its first-ever classical music spectacular as part of[...]

MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR: TOYOTA TAKES IT ALL

JOHANNESBURG, OCTOBER 24, 2024 – The 29th SAVRALA Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) awards[...]

Norwegian Cruise Line® unveils more to do aboard Norwegian Aqua™ and Norwegian Luna™ with immersive gaming venues and elevated spa and fitness offerings

-The Company Will Debut a Brand-New Experience – Aqua and Luna Game Zone –[...]

The West African Development Bank (BOAD) launches the “disaster-adapted loan” program under its sovereign loan portfolio

Lome, TOGO – The West African Development Bank (BOAD) launches the “disaster­ adapted loan”[...]