Letlhokwa Mpedi’s Post

SATSA CEO, David Frost, recently penned some thoughts on the urgent action required as a tourism collective, to aid South Africa's tourism recovery.    "If we truly believe that tourism is South Africa’s primary growth sector, we must act with the urgency and boldness that this conviction demands. We cannot afford to tinker around the edges or settle for mediocre results if we are to unlock the transformative power of tourism and position South Africa as a global destination of choice.   The time is now, and the responsibility is ours. Let’s get to work." Read the full article here >> https://lnkd.in/dtxnxygc

UN Tourism's Regional Commisions for Africa and Americas recently adopted the Punta Cana Declaration, a set of shared commitments for the development of tourism as a driver of sustainable and inclusive development. The signatories of the declaration have committed to collaborating in areas including strategic investments, skills development and training, innovation, creative industries and inter-regional cooperation. While history is littered with examples of cooperation agreements which ultimately led to very little, the depth of this partnership could signal a crucial first step in reaching the vastly untapped potential of collaboration between Africa and the Americas. 🔐Read more: https://bit.ly/3Ufo83I

#HORECAMEAissue1 The tourism sector is often overlooked as a key economic driver, yet it holds significant potential for economic growth and job creation in South Africa. As the seventh administration begins its term, the mission is to elevate tourism's profile by fostering growth in the sector and demonstrating its positive impact on the economy and local communities. This report outlines the critical contributions of tourism, its economic impact, and the strategic plans designed to ensure the sector reaches its full potential over the next five years. Get the Flipbook edition here https://lnkd.in/dayuEBCB and the pdf version here https://lnkd.in/daQKpGdz #southafrica #tourism #economy

As tourism continues to grow in Africa, maps are invaluable for promoting the continent’s attractions, improving travel routes, and supporting tourism infrastructure development, ultimately boosting local economies. Maps aid identify the key economic zones and strategic trade routes, facilitating cross-border trade and investment. And map of Africa is not just a tool for navigation, but a strategic asset for sustainable development, economic growth, and improved living conditions across the continent. Therefore, understanding the diverse ecological zones across Africa enables better routes towards the development of the continent. #Africacontinent #freetradezone

[READ] The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) presented a detailed growth plan to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tourism, highlighting strategies to position tourism as a key economic driver. The plan aims to attract 15.7 million international tourists and 12 million domestic trips annually by 2030, creating 1.3 million jobs and increasing the sector’s GDP contribution to R394 billion. Key interventions include modernizing e-visas, improving air access, and fostering public-private partnerships. TBCSA Chairperson Jerry Mabena emphasized the transformative potential of these initiatives, while TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa highlighted the importance of collaboration to ensure long-term sustainability. Discover the strategies shaping South Africa's tourism future. You can read the linked article here: https://buff.ly/3OkMLIN What do you think of these goals? Share your thoughts in the comments. #SouthAfrica #Tourism #TBCSA

One of the few economic success stories of the post-apartheid era is tourism. The ending of apartheid thirty years ago was a key turning point for this sector as it literally opened the world to South Africa and South Africa to the world. Read More: https://lnkd.in/dtx2Mt3d . . . . #SouthAfrica #Tourism #SouthAfricaneconomy #tourismsector

We’re excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership between Africa's Eden Tourism Association, JLL’s Global Tourism and Destination Advisory practice, and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to conduct the Tourism Readiness Index! This collaborative initiative will evaluate the tourism potential of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, focusing on investment opportunities, sustainable growth, and long-term resilience. With over 70 key data points assessed—ranging from infrastructure to environmental sustainability—the Index will serve as a critical tool for both public and private sectors, paving the way for a stronger and more competitive tourism industry in the region. “Tourism is one of the most vital economic drivers for our member countries. By partnering with JLL and WTTC, we’re bringing international expertise to empower local tourism and attract global investments,” says Jillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa's Eden. Learn more about this transformative initiative via the link below: https://lnkd.in/emaTnKHE #AfricasEden #WTTC #JLL #AfricaTravel #AfricaInvestment

November is Tourism Awareness Month in #Guyana and this year’s theme: ‘A People-Centred Tourism Product: Elevating Our Profile,’ reminds me of an earlier visit to the Rupununi & Essequibo with colleagues of the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility (CCPF). ✅ In the Rupununi, CCPF is working with local stakeholders and #MSMEs to improve their offering of #Sustainable & #Inclusive tourism experiences that can generate more revenues for the communities. Similarly, the focus in Essequibo is to increase visibility of the county to potential visitors by making the cluster more competitive. ✅ Both projects aim to assist Guyana to develop its tourism sector with strong support of CCPF’s partners – the Inter-American Development Bank, the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, the Caribbean Development Bank & the Government of Canada. Happy Tourism Month Guyana! 👉 Learn more about the Partnership and its projects in Guyana here: https://lnkd.in/eBCHz9uv

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) has welcomed the Department of Tourism’s White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa. This important document aims to strengthen the industry by addressing current challenges and creating new growth opportunities. Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, TBCSA CEO, states: “The publication of the white paper is highly significant as it provides a clear guide on the policy direction we need to pursue. It also outlines high-level potential solutions to some of the key challenges facing the industry. The next step is to ensure that legislation is developed to support the key elements in the white paper. We must also remain mindful of the changing global landscape to avoid limiting ourselves when transitioning to the next stage, which is the legislative framework. Furthermore, it is essential that the tourism master plan is aligned with the white paper. The white paper addresses long-term policy considerations, and the master plan must determine whether these can be implemented in five-year increments to achieve the broader vision and goals.” We encourage stakeholders to engage with the white paper and stay informed about these developments, which are set to enhance travel experiences in South Africa. What are your thoughts on the future of tourism in our country? Share your insights in the comments! #TBCSA #SouthAfrica #Tourism #WhitePaper

Tourism is a powerful tool for peace and recovery. 🕊️ Beka Jakeli, UN Tourism's Director of External Relations, highlights the importance of proactive planning and collaboration to rebuild Ukraine’s tourism sector and position it on the global map. 🇺🇦 🌍 🔗https://lnkd.in/dpQg9EKW