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”.
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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/
