ATI Ceremony Highlights Breakthrough In South African Rural Tourism And Economic Inclusivity

Thursday, May 16, 2024

In South Africa, a significant stride towards bolstering rural tourism and fostering economic inclusivity has been achieved.

This accomplishment signifies a crucial advancement in efforts to improve the quality and inclusivity of tourism offerings throughout South Africa.

During the event, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Honourable Fish Mahlalela, emphasized the program’s vital role in strengthening the tourism sector’s foundation. He said that: “It is on this strong foundation that we can progress our sector because with assurance, the tourism industry will continue to create opportunities for economic growth, particularly for youth, women and people with disabilities.”

He praised the program for its empowerment endeavors, acknowledging its efforts in providing training and employment opportunities for graduates tasked with conducting verifications across diverse establishments. Emphasizing the central role of verified establishments within their communities, he emphasized their significance in creating business prospects and nurturing an environment conducive to local development.

“It is imperative that we sustain and expand this programme to ensure inclusivity in our tourism offerings, thereby contribute to the growth of the economy,” said Mahlalela.

The Rural Tourism Enhancement Program (RTEP), administered by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, a subsidiary of South African Tourism, provides crucial support to homestays and emerging tourism enterprises in small communities, commonly known as villages, towns, and small communities (VTSD), to expand their operations. It offers comprehensive guidance to these establishments, leading them through a structured development pathway, which facilitates their integration into the tourism market and facilitates access to financing, irrespective of whether they meet the core grading criteria. Fundamentally, the RTEP aims to assist smaller, less formal accommodations and attractions in becoming integral components of the tourism sector and thriving.

Bronwen Auret, serving as the Chief Quality Assurance Officer for South African Tourism, illuminated the successful execution of the program in KwaZulu-Natal throughout the preceding year.

“The programme introduces tourism accommodation providers to standards and norms of quality assurance, serving as a crucial entry point into the realm of formalised tourism practices.”

Among a cohort of 210 participants, 150 individuals have achieved certification in Basic Quality Verification.

For Luyanda Khoza, proprietor of Vikamana Guest House, the acquisition of BQV certification marked a moment of profound pride.“This recognition not only validates our establishment, but also opens doors for further growth and collaboration.”

Likewise, Lungile Hlabisa, the owner of Mbopha Guest House in Ulundi, conveyed appreciation for the acknowledgment of their efforts in rural locales. “This certification reaffirms the significance of our contributions to rural tourism and motivates us to continue our endeavors,” she said.

In the dynamic landscape of the tourism sector, initiatives like the BQV program are proving to be essential tools in promoting inclusivity, standardization, and sustainable growth. The recognition bestowed upon 150 establishments highlights the collective dedication towards creating a vibrant and inclusive tourism environment, one that empowers communities and celebrates the diverse beauty of the nation’s rural landscapes.

The BQV program was initially piloted in the Eastern Cape from 2020 to 2021, followed by its implementation in KZN from 2022 to 2023, resulting in 29 skilled graduates trained to conduct assessments of tourism products.

Samora Nqweniso, Acting GM of Tourism Development at Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, expressed gratitude to stakeholders who contributed to the program’s success, emphasizing its positive impact on enhancing the province’s value proposition in the tourism sector.