Cape Town – The tourism industry has the potential to reignite South Africa’s ailing economy, but more support will be needed from South African sand from the government giving the green light for reopening borders.
The shocking announcement of a 51% decline in gross domestic product (GDP) during the second quarter had raised the questions of what would need to be put into place to aid the ailing economy, which was already struggling prior to Covid-19, said Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA0 chief executive Tshifhiwa Tshievhengwa.
A PWC Public and Private Growth Initiative Report (2019) showed that tourism was the one industry in the country with the greatest potential to stimulate inclusive economic growth and employment, to create multiplier effect – in terms of jobs, growth and export potential.
This had also been stated by the government, said Tshivhengwa.
However, targeted economic stimulation and favourable policy decisions were required for the sector to flourish.
“Tourism can be South Africa’s economic lifeline, but only if international borders are opened up soon,” said Tshivhengwa.
