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The last time I wrote, I spoke about the urgent need for Travel and Tourism and many other role players to pay more attention to the plight of the disabled and the neurodivergent, so we can enable this significant sector of the South African public (and indeed foreign travellers too) to enjoy travel experiences without hindrance. I promised that this month, being Disability Awareness Month, we will look in more depth into what we in our industry can do specifically to make significant inroads into ensuring accessibility for all members of our population, and I certainly will. Ironically, however, this is also very much a part of the primary focus of what I have chosen to highlight in this article, the celebration of our Tourism month and its future objectives.
Tourism 2025, which runs throughout the month of September, aims for ‘Sustainable Transformation and Inclusive Growth,’ and although this includes actioning many initiatives, we have also been emphasising why inclusivity and accessibility matter in tourism. As one press release put it ‘’the theme of Tourism and Sustainable Transformation is a campaign with a heartfelt invitation to embrace travel that empowers communities, drives inclusive growth, and leaves a lasting legacy.’’
Transformation is key
One of the primary areas of focus of the program is utilising tourism as a powerful force for transformation. The article went on to say ‘’With women making up over 70% of the sector’s workforce and a fast-growing base of youth and SMME-led enterprises, tourism holds enormous potential to tackle unemployment and inequality when supported by sustainable initiatives and inclusive policies.’’ One example was three entrepreneurs who participated in enterprise development programmes through Sigma International and Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) and have now launched impressive businesses that will make a great contribution to travel in South Africa.
Job creation and opportunities
Tourism, having made a remarkable recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic, which in no small measure was a result of the The Department Tourism’s ‘Tourism Sector Recovery Plan,’ is a significant contributor to the national economy and so one of our primary roles is to create jobs and offer opportunities for many, including the previously disadvantaged and those with physical disabilities. – If this is the case, there is no reason that economic growth and accessibility should not be mutually inclusive.
Inclusivity and accessibility fit right into economic sustainability because it shouldn’t be forgotten, or ignored, that accessible tourism is not only facilitating a moral obligation to the disadvantaged, but in doing so, we open additional markets economically. Substantial income can be generated by the disabled and neurodivergent and their families, and elderly travellers too, some of whom are very wealthy but don’t spend on travel because it is not sufficiently accessible.
Proud to be a part of Travel SA
In my next article, I will, as promised, go into more detail about how I believe our industry, and everyone for that matter, can make a difference by improving the travel experience for the disabled, so watch this space. In the meantime, I’m happy to have been a part of and enjoyed our Tourism 2025 month celebrations and initiatives. In the words of our Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille ‘’Don’t wait. Travel this Tourism Month – and beyond. See the country through local eyes. Invest in the kind of travel that grows businesses, builds pride, and transforms communities not just for today, but for generations.’’ All I can add is that the kind of travel the Minister refers to should always be fully inclusive and accessible to all!
Lidia de Olim
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER