Infrastructure is key to boost tourism

GEORGE NEWS - The importance of infrastructure in tourism was highlighted by Deputy Minister of Tourism Fish Mahlalela during his visit to George last Friday, 14 May. Mahlalela was the keynote speaker at an event attended by several stakeholders in tourism in the Garden Route.

Also in attendance were George Mayor Leon van Wyk and Deputy Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality Rosina Ruiters.

An overview was given about tourism in the area and stakeholders could ask questions and air their frustrations. The lack of transformation in the industry was discussed and Mahlalela mentioned the importance of women and youth in the sector.

If tourism wants to remain relevant, young people must be brought on board as they have innovative ideas, and new ways of thinking and doing things.

Infrastructure a must

Mahlalela stressed the importance of infrastructure in tourism development. He related how lack of infrastructure scares tourism investors away.

Developers were trying to get funding in 2020 to build a four-star hotel at Hole in the Wall in Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape, but because of poor roads and unreliable water and electricity supply, investors were not interested.

He told George Herald that infrastructure is all-important. "You can create a stunning product, but if there is no infrastructure it will be as if it doesn't exist."

Deputy Minster of Tourism Fish Mahlalela and George Mayor Leon van Wyk at the meeting. Photo: Eugene Gunning

Go local

Mahlalela also spoke about activating the domestic tourism market. He said the pandemic brought the sector back to where it was 70 years ago. Moving back from the 1950s to the 2020s will require everybody's cooperation. That includes government, civil society and the private sector. Tourism is very important in economic recovery.

South Africans must be encouraged to travel and explore their own country and according to Mahlalela, from a tourism point of view, South Africans are not travellers by nature.

Bouncing back

He said international travellers are keen to experience the country and the people. According to him the sector is resilient and will bounce back.

Mahlalela said the Garden Route is one of the key priorities in South Africa's tourism. "It has something for all South Africans and the whole world."

Asked about sport tourism, he said its potential has not been maximised, even before the pandemic.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Fish Mahlalela during his visit last Friday.