Plans to revitalise tourism industry
| Author | Tamlynne Thompson tamlynne.thompson@inl.co.za |
| Published date | 09 September 2021 |
| Publication title | Southern Suburbs Tatler |
The centre has interactive screens and boasts virtual reality goggles so visitors can get a taste of a tourist attraction before they experience it in person.
CTT CEO Enver Duminy said the theme for Tourism Month this year was Tourism for Exclusive Growth.
“We are asking everyone to look beyond the stats and see the business and community that relies on tourism in Cape Town, and the only way to get through this is with the locals.
“We encourage people to visit and to experience tourism attractions.”
Mr Duminy said on reflection of the past 18 months, the organisation had identified three high-level needs of businesses in the industry: marketing, increasing international demand, and financial support.
He said at CTT, they addressed the financial support for small business and as a result, they are offering free membership until the end of the year. “This comes with access to our research, network and exposure opportunities.”
They said this month would also include activations at various tourism and hospitality service providers in Langa, Mitchell’s Plain, Kirstenbosch, Khayelitsha, Woodstock and Salt River, among other spaces, as well as visits to schools to encourage Cape Town’s future entrepreneurs to understand the value of tourism and socially investing in their home city. “We have so much to offer, and we encourage the locals and visitors to go to these spaces.”
Mayoral committee for economic opportunities and asset management, James Vos, said tourism was everyone’s business, and it was through tourism that people shared cultures and belief, cuisine and experiences with the rest of the world.
He said the tourism sector had contributed nearly 3% – or R130 billion – to the GDP in 2018 and 4.5% of those employed in South Africa worked in the tourism industry, while 113 000 tourism jobs were held in Cape Town in that year.
“Now consider that the volumes of tourists countrywide decreased by 72.6% from 10.2 million in 2019 to 2.8 million in 2020.” Mr Vos said while there’s still much work to do, the industry has helped many navigate the stormy weather.
Through CTT, he said, the City was to maintain vital awareness of Cape Town, stay connected with travellers and empower local industry businesses with access to information, networking opportunities and exposure.
He said the Tourism Bounce Back...
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