The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) applauds the reappointment of Patricia de Lille as Minister of Tourism. FEDHASA acknowledges Minister de Lille’s unwavering commitment to the tourism sector during her previous tenure and looks forward to continued collaboration to foster the industry’s growth and recovery.
“We are thrilled to see Minister de Lille return to lead the Ministry of Tourism,” said Rosemary Anderson, Chairperson of FEDHASA. ” Minister de Lille achieved so much in the short time she was in the position, and she will now be able to carry through what she started. Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the tourism industry, coupled with her proactive approach, has been instrumental in navigating the sector through difficult times. We are confident that under her leadership, the tourism industry will continue to thrive and reach new heights.”
FEDHASA also extends a warm welcome to the new Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, and expresses its hope for a constructive partnership in addressing visa-related issues that impact the tourism sector.
“We believe that a streamlined and efficient visa system is crucial for attracting international visitors and unlocking the full potential of South Africa’s tourism industry as well as create hundreds of thousands of jobs in our country,” added Anderson. “We are eager to engage with Minister Schreiber and explore ways to simplify visa processes, making it easier for tourists from key markets, such as India, to visit our beautiful country.”
FEDHASA highlights the significant potential for South Africa’s tourism industry to achieve similar success as other long-haul destinations like Australia, which is projected to reach a record USD 265 billion in tourism receipts in 2024.
“South Africa boasts a wealth of diverse tourism offerings, from incredible natural landscapes and enriching cultural experiences to world-class accommodation and hospitality services,” noted Anderson. “By addressing visa-related challenges and working collaboratively with the government, we can unlock this potential and create a thriving tourism industry that generates substantial economic benefits for the country.”
FEDHASA emphasises the importance of learning from the experiences of other countries, such as the United States, which has successfully attracted new source markets such as India through its e-visa system.
“By adopting a more visa-friendly approach and prioritising key markets like India, South Africa can tap into a vast pool of potential visitors and reap the rewards of a flourishing tourism industry,” concluded Anderson.
FEDHASA eagerly anticipates engaging with the Tourism Minister and the new Minister of Home Affairs to discuss strategies for boosting tourism growth, streamlining visa processes, and positioning South Africa as a premier global tourism destination.
