As the global tourism community converges at the World Travel Market in London this week, South African tourism associations have expressed their full support for Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille’s constructive approach in engaging the private sector since taking office.

The country’s private and public sector are currently working to promote South Africa as a leading tourism destination during the event.

Association of South African Travel Agents (Asata), Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa), South African Tourism Services Association (Satsa), Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (Savrala) and South African Association for the Conference Industry (Saaci) all agree that De Lille has ushered in a new era of open communication and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“Her leadership has established the structured engagement desperately needed to synergise common objectives of nurturing tourism growth and showcasing South Africa as a world-class destination,” the organisations state, praising De Lille on her responsiveness and willingness to act on issues raised by industry partners.

Satsa CEO David Frost says De Lille has come into this portfolio with a desire to garner insights, having engaged the private sector and sought opinions on the pressure points and fault lines needing urgent attention after years of deterioration.

Asata CEO Otto De Vries adds that De Lille has demonstrated genuine intent to lead and engage on matters impacting the tourism industry. “We have seen responsiveness to the concerns raised and action taken to intervene on critical issues."

Fedhasa chairperson Rosemary Anderson highlights the Minister's willingness to promptly address problems raised by industry, including matters such as the diesel rebate, Tourism Incentive Programme and visa systems.

Savrala GM Sandile Ntseoane agrees that De Lille has been “present” and “willing to engage” the industry to help resolve obstacles hindering tourism growth. “Among others, the Minister has supported us in an important initiative relating to tourism safety, which threatens our industry,” he says.

He cites the opening of the National Tourism Operations Centre linked to Business Against Crime in Johannesburg, where there is a 24/7 emergency and incident management desk, as an example.

Further, the associations echo the sentiment that De Lille’s actions to strengthen transparency, establish financial controls, and appoint leadership with private sector expertise to critical tourism entities have been courageous first steps to stabilising and optimising their effectiveness.

For Saaci CEO Glenton de Kock, structured engagement between the public and private sectors has never been stronger. He hopes that the relationships will be upheld and strengthened further.

“We collectively commend the Minister for her consultative approach and stand united in our ongoing support. When public and private sectors work together, South African tourism wins,” the organisations conclude.