TBCSA continues to shape the country’s tourism discourse

Speaking at the 12th Annual General Meeting of the country’s council for organised tourism businesses – Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) earlier in the week at the Midrand Conference Centre, chairman, Thabiso Tlelai said the TBCSA continues to shape the country’s tourism discourse around the role of developing the industry to the benefit of all.
He said South Africa’s economic outlook has remained positive in 2007, despite some volatility in the market with the rand depreciating and continued interest rates hikes. “The country is continuing to build on a difficult but stable macroeconomic foundation, which will strongly provide tangible opportunities and help to achieve Government’s targets of halving unemployment and poverty by 2014.”
Tlelai said despite all these worrying factors, there is a general positiveness that the tourism industry will play a pivotal role to assist Government with all its ambitions. “As it is, the tourism industry’s contribution to the GDP is growing by a far bigger margin year on year and its impact on the country’s economy has made it possible for Government to consider this sector as one of its priority areas in its Accelerated and Shared Growth Strategy for South Africa.”
He said it was pleasing to note that people in other parts of the world are increasingly attracted to South Africa thus fuelling the growth of the country’s international arrivals. “The same phenomenon is also a reality with more and more of our people demanding local travel – this formula has made us realise a whooping nine million visitors to our country in 2007 and to some extend all thanks to the industry’s contribution through TOMSA.”
Since its inception in 1999 the TOMSA levy collectors have collected a staggering R450,982,879.15, the levy collectors represent the best in the tourism industry, those business people who understand the bigger picture and are willing to participate in TOMSA so that we all benefit.
TOMSA (Tourism Marketing Levy South Africa) – monies are collected from a variety of players in the industry (car rental, tour operators and hotels, for example) who take a percent of monies charged to their clients for services rendered and contribute it to TOMSA. The TBCSA manages the funds, which is ultimately injected into South Africa’s destination marketing efforts.
Tlelai said the year under review also saw the TBCSA venturing into unchartered waters by hosting the first ever international conference on investment in the hospitality sector. “The conference – due to be hosted once again in the new financial year has helped to add value to debates around issues of development and best practices.
According to Tlelai this enhanced the understanding of all role players, particularly investors, emerging business investors and public sector in the quest to profile Africa as a viable investment destination.
He said as the organization strived to shape the tourism discourse – some growth impeding elements were detected. “Top of mind is failure to develop programmes that deal systematically with issues such as skills gaps, transformation, safety and security, aviation and now energy shortages and above all engaging with stakeholders.
In going forward, Tlelai made a promise that the TBCSA will continue to embrace its mandate, ensuring that it provides compelling and informative programmes for the benefit of its members and the broader tourism family. “As the ‘One Voice for the private sector, we pledge to consistently improve on our ability to provide guidance and business leads in ensuring that the world is captivated by South Africa and its people as they are by 2010 FIFA World Cup ™,” concluded Tlelai.
At the event the TBCSA and TOMSA annual reports were released and as part of the programme an impressive list of quality speakers was lined-up. These included Dawie Roodt one of the most quoted economist in the South African media.
Quinton Coetzee with his motivational speak about everyones ability in the business world, Director General of the Department of Home Affairs, Mavuso Msimang.