The government has lacked urgency and enthusiasm in advocating for SA’s travel industry
Minister of international relations & co-operation Naledi Pandor. Picture: SOWETAN/VELI NHLAPO
Pandor said the government was “puzzled” and “disappointed”. That’s fair enough, and a view that is getting traction even in the UK, with the travel editor of The Times & The Sunday Times describing it as indefensible.But the government’s own attitude to the issue has itself been puzzling and disappointing. For months it has been short on details and enthusiasm when asked what it has been doing to advocate for SA’s tourist industry.
Two-and-a-half months later a service provider has been chosen, but the decision is awaiting final approval from the SA Tourism board. A department spokesperson says a decision will be made by the end of September. With SA’s summer about a month away and fully vaccinated European and UK tourists already travelling, the SA process is so slow it is going backwards.
But with closed borders requiring intensive diplomatic effort, the government needed a better sense of urgency. Sisulu’s opening speech at the tourism summit this week provides little room for hope.
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