Finance and Economic Opportunities
Whether the Western Cape has a tourism recovery plan; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) can a copy of the plan be provided?
As the tourism and travel sector in the Western Cape is heavily dependent on international visitors, until national government scrap the restrictions on international travel and the ‘red list’ of countries not allowed to travel to South Africa, our economic recovery will continue to be stifled in the Western Cape.
Until then, we will continue to work hard to support businesses in the tourism sector to adapt and remain resilient through the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes:
- Lobbying and advocacy: Regular submissions to COGTA and NDT.
- Tourism Product Development Fund: Launched in Aug 2020 to support new or existing tourism business. Over 200 applications were received for the fund.
- Tourist guides: Support to the Department of Tourism on the tourist guide relief fund for freelance guides as well as tourist guide training.
- Engagements: Facilitated meetings with stakeholders as well as the Tourism Webinar Series. The 5-part webinar series was held to provide strategic direction with input from international and national thought leaders by DEDAT. For more details, please visit the website https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/western-cape-tourism-webinar-series.
- Destination Readiness: We conducted a workplace safety perception review recently and the results show that most tourism stakeholders are confident in the health and safety protocols that have been developed for the industry. Businesses do need assistance with management and staff training though. A destination readiness campaign was launched with web workshops for each district concerning health and safety protocols, the WTTC protocols and pledge as well as best practice. For more details, please visit the website https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/safetravels.
- Domestic and international tourism campaigns – our “We Are Open” campaign which was launched at the end of August is a comprehensive media campaign that encourages domestic and international travellers to visit Cape Town and the Western Cape. By highlighting each of our beautiful districts, our affordable and world-class experiences, and our safe travel readiness to travellers, we hope to be front of mind for those booking their next holiday.
Finally, of course, the Western Cape Recovery Plan which has three pillars - Jobs, Safety and Dignity – includes a number of initiatives related to economic recovery across all sectors in the Western Cape, including the tourism sector.
