New TBCSA board engages with Tourism Minister

At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), members and TOMSA levy collectors had the opportunity to address the Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk on the opportunities and challenges facing the tourism industry in South Africa.

The Minister, who is in the midst of a national roadshow, was relaxed and candid in his responses, “It is my considered view as Minister that this is a sector which requires a ‘light touch’.  I am not of the opinion that bureaucracy and additional legislation or taxes are required but that this industry needs to be enabled to be a growth sector and to take the current GDP contribution of 8% into double digits.”

The Minister did advise that all legislation around tourism will be reviewed and re-written within this term starting with the Booster Plan which will be published for industry comment in mid-September to be finalised by November this year. The Minister also mentioned that his department is considering the establishment of a national registration system of all tourism businesses and that this is one of the positive outcomes of his countrywide consultative roadshow.

The issues that were raised with the minister during the TBCSA’s annual general meeting included amongst others concerns on taxes to tourism businesses, investment incentives, transformation and skills development, tourism transport capacity and preparations on for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

In his response, the Minister cautioned the industry against being short-sighted when it came to preparing for the soccer showpiece and stressed the importance of ensuring sustainable growth beyond the World Cup.  He further stressed that the issue of affordability and portraying South Africa as a value for money destination needed increased attention from industry leaders and asked the private sector to be extra vigilant in the pricing of the tourism offerings. He once again stressed the importance of increasing South Africa’s profile when it comes to service excellence and applauded the TBCSA for joining forces with his department to drive the Tourism Service Excellence Initiative. Other issues and ideas which were raised were noted by the Ministerial team and feedback will be shared with the industry on progress and steps to be taken.

The industry unanimously expressed their delight and support for the Ministers new policy of engagement with them and his openness to discuss and work with the private sector in developing the sector. The CEO of the TBCSA, Mmatšatši Marobe noted, “It has been wonderful to see so much of the Minister in the last month, and the private sector welcomes the Minister’s invitation to establish an advisory team to continue the interaction,”
following the Minister address, the TBCSA held elections for a new management board to serve a two year term.

Tommy Edmond, CEO of Tourvest, was elected as the Board Chairman, with Graham Wood, MD of Southern Sun, Inns and Resorts as his deputy.

The Other members of the new board from TBCSA’s corporate members include the following:-
Mr. Clifford Ross, CEO of City Lodge Hotels;
Mr. Thabiso Tlelai, CEO of The Don Suite Hotel Group;
Mr. Pieter de Bruin, Head of FNB Commercial;
Mr. Monwabisi Fandeso, CEO of Thebe Tourism;
Mr. Glen Phillips, Executive Director of Tourism at SanParks;
Mr. Chris Hlekane, General Manager of OR Tambo International Airport, ACSA;
Ms. Jenifer Seif of Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA).

Board Members from TBCSA’s member associations include the following:-

Ms. Robyn Christie, CEO of ASATA (Association of South African Travel Agents)
Mr. Churchill Mrasi,President of SALTHA (South African Leisure Tourism and Hospitality Association)
Mr. Michael Tatalias, CEO of SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association)
Mr. Brett Dungan, CEO of FEDHASA (Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa)
Mr. John Ndlovu, Deputy Chairman of SAACI (South African Association of Conferences)
Mr. Terry Browning, Deputy Chairman of NAA (National Accommodation Association)
Mr. Gavin Eyre, Chairman of Backpackers Association of South Africa (BASA)
Ms Val van den Bergh, General Manager of SAVRALA (South African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association)

The new management board takes office at a difficult but exciting time considering the recent changes in government with the new dedicated ministry for tourism and the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Much work will go into fostering closer working relations with the new department, South African Tourism with its mandate of marketing South Africa and contributing to the growth of the tourism economy.

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