Apolinari Tairo
Taking a case study
on South Africa, tourism experts and business executives said through
discussions during the Indaba 2024 tourism exhibition staged in Durban last
week that Africa needs to develop then invest in rural tourism for empowering
local communities through global tourism.
More than 150
tourist accommodation facilities and village tourism projects in villages and
small towns in South Africa were awarded certificates of compliance and
recognition for completing the Basic Quality Verification (BQV) program during
the Indaba 2024 tourism exhibition.
South African Deputy
Minister of Tourism Mr. Amos Mahlalela said rural tourism would benefit women,
youth, and people with disabilities in Africa.
The BQV program Is
under the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa which is working to support
homestays and emerging tourism ventures in small communities also referred to
as growth for villages, towns, and small communities.
It guides those establishments through a structured
development process, enabling them to engage with the tourism market and access
funding, targeting to support smaller and less formal tourist hotels, lodges,
and guest houses to become part of the tourism industry. The minister said:
“It is on this strong foundation that we can progress our
sector because with assurance, the tourism industry will continue to create
opportunities for economic growth, particularly for youth, women and people
with disabilities.”
He highlighted the pivotal role played by the verified
establishments at the heart of their communities, generating business
opportunities and fostering a conducive environment for local development.
“It is imperative that we sustain and expand this program to
ensure inclusivity in our tourism offerings, thereby contributing to the growth
of the economy,” said Mahlalela.
Chief Quality Assurance Officer for South African Tourism
Bronwen Auret said that the BQV program introduces tourism accommodation
providers to standards and norms of quality assurance, serving as a crucial
entry point into the realm of formalized tourism practices.
African Tourism Board (ATB) Chairman Mr. Cuthbert Ncube
participated in Indaba 2024 and then met and held discussions with Malawi and
Eswatini tourism ministers.
“We are delighted to share the successful outcomes of
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024, held in the vibrant city of Durban. This year’s
event not only highlighted the diverse tourism offerings of the continent, but
also fostered important dialogues and partnerships,” Mr. Ncube said.
Discussions emphasized the importance of cooperation between
the African Tourism Board and individual countries like Malawi and Eswatini to
unlock Africa’s tourism potential.
All leaders emphasized sustainable tourism development to
preserve cultural heritage for future generations. Innovative strategies were
explored to elevate the visitor experience across Africa through technology and
community-based projects, Mr. Ncube said through a message.
An agreement was reached to improve transportation networks
within Africa for more convenient and efficient travel for tourists.
The meetings between ATB Chairman and the 2 ministers have
set the stage for upcoming efforts, such as joint marketing campaigns, capacity
building projects, and advocacy for tourism support policies, ATB said through
a message to its members and other partners.
Africa’s Travel Indaba is the biggest travel and tourism
event on the continent and brings together captains of industries, travel
agents, tourism ministers from various countries, and the continent’s tourism
investors and operators under one roof.