In the past four years, I have had the privilege of consistently experiencing South African tourism potential and I can conclude that South Africa is irrefutably and irresistibly, one of the world’s tourists’ destinations; it is a country that clearly understands that tourism remains one of the key drivers of economic growth with huge potential for job creation and social inclusion just as it is in the rest of the world.
They have irreversibly and unambiguously positioned tourism as a priority sector in government’s planning and policy frameworks. For more than 10 years now, they have also continued to successfully host what is unarguably the show that brings the largest African exhibitors together and one of the top three “must visit” events of its kind in the world — Tourism Indaba.
This accomplishment excites me as an African, but I must confess that I am more intrigued about the country’s new drive to work with the rest of Africa. Mr. Derek Hanekom, South Africa’s Tourism Minister, in his address of welcome to Indaba 2016 with a reference to the Travel and Tourism Competitive Report presented by the World Economic Forum (WEF), asserted that tourism constituted nine per cent of Africa’s overall economy and that some African nations were well positioned to benefit from the projected 4.9 per cent growth in the continent’s travel and tourism business.
While adding that Tourism arrivals to the continent are projected at 130 million travellers by 2030 double the current 50 million arrivals, he urged operators of tourism industry across Africa to harness the rich potential of the sector for “symbiotic working relationship’’. According to him, Africa is united in its common aspiration to brand its continent.
In his words: “We are bound by our common past and future that is intertwined.
“Indiba gives us a sense of belonging. It is where we can come together to share knowledge and create partnerships. The world’s tourists want what we have, authentic meaningful experiences and taste of local communities.
“This gives more indigenous people the opportunity to become part of our tourism industry. At the same time, the packaging of our diverse tourism products which reflect Africa’s travel experiences such as rich cultural and historical heritage as well as the continent’s exceptional natural wealth should be tailor-made to suit tourists who are keen to move from our country to the other within the region.”
Pre-Indaba experience:
At this juncture, I think it is judicious to relay my ‘all round five-star’ pre-Indaba 2016 experience as it directly speaks volume about the authentic and meaningful indigenous Africa’s travel experience Mr. Hanekom referred to in his opening speech. South African Tourism (SAT), the organizers of ‘Tourism Indaba’, hosted me once again this year, like they hosted so many other journalists from across the globe as one of the media organizations from West Africa to ‘Indaba 2016’ and the truth must be told: they simply know how to be hospitable as l had a fabulous time.
I and some other journalists as well as some buyers arrived in South Africa, specifically at OR Tambo International Airport at about 5.00 a.m. South African time on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, and after the airport formalities, we were warmly welcomed by a certain gentleman called George Gbeki, who was our tour guide till we left for Indaba proper in Durban on Friday, May 6, 2016. After we left the airport, we stopped by at a nearby hotel to pick up some hosted buyers, who came through Abuja and had arrived earlier than those of us who came in from Lagos.
We were piloted to the luxurious Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa, Muldersdrift, in Gauteng Province. Gauteng Province is in North-Eastern South Africa that is just less than an hour’s drive from Johannesburg on the way to Sun City. At Kloofzicht, a lodge and spa nestled at the foothills of Zwartkops Mountains in the cradle of Humankind, where I truly experienced serenity and elegance for the two very “short’’ nights we spent there.
Our second day on the pre-Indaba experience, Wednesday, we started on an educative note as we visited Sterkfontein Caves where we were told some background stories of the Cradle of Mankind. From Sterkfontein Caves we moved to Lion Park, where we went on the galapagos island tours! Although I am not really interested in wildlife, but for the first time in my life I was able to touch life cubs (Lion), fed a Giraffe and interacted with other wild animals in the park.
This is one experience I am not likely to forget in a long time to come, and later that evening, I had an experience that in my opinion aptly describes what Mr. Hanekom referred to as the “authentic and meaningful indigenous Africa’s travel experience’’.
We visited Lesedi African Village, a place creatively caved out amidst rocky hills and bushveld to capture an up-close and personal contact with some of South Africa’s typical village settings and cultures; namely Zulu, Basotho, Xhosa and Pedi. The very educative experience started right from the entrance of the village where ‘Musi’, the story teller gave us a short orientation by introducing us to the ancient tribal legends and the story of Lesedi. We then took a very exhilarating walk round the villages during which we learnt about some basic but essential things about the people and their cultures — their manner of greetings, marriage rites, staple foods and occupations. Immediately after the tour, we were treated to the very energetic ‘Giant Ingoma’, traditional dances of the Zulu, Pedi, Xhosa, Basotho and Ndebele peoples. At the end of the festivities, some of us were invited to join in the dancing. The night activities were wrapped up with a dinner with the villagers and we were treated to very sumptuous South African indigenous cuisines. We then retired to our exquisite abode at Kloofzicht.
Determined to ensure that we had an outstanding experience, Thursday May 5, 2016, SAT moved us to the North West Province, specifically to Sun International’s flagship resort, the very popular, palatial Sun City Resort. Located on the border of the Pilanesberg National Game Park about two hours’ drive from Johannesburg or a 45-minute flight. Sun City is the perfect getaway destination. The very pleasurable ride to Sun City, however, came after we all had as early as 6.00 a.m. South African time made to test our courage to defy gravity and soar above the earth in a hot air balloon, the oldest form of flight known to man. Although, we only spent a night at the Sun City Resort but to say the least, we were lavishly pampered.
Indaba 2016 experience:
We got to Durban on Friday May 6, and we were warmly greeted with smiles by the porters and concierges who were stationed at the King Shaka International Airport to ensure that everyone who came for Indaba got a good ‘Zulu’ welcome. Packs of snacks were handed over to each and every one of us. Straight from the airport, we headed for Moyo’s Restaurant at Ushaka Marine for lunch. A very well organized Africa welcome party was held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, to specifically welcome Africa to Indaba 2016. Although Ms. Evelyn Mahalaba, South Africa Tourism Regional Director for Africa, gave a short opening address, it was a night of less speeches, a lot of dancing, eating, jaw-jaw, meeting old and new friends from across the continent.
There are always a thousand and one things to do at all time in life, so it is always instructive to focus on one’s core needs so as to be able to make a headway in life.
My major take away home from Indaba 2016, is how focused South Africa is as a country in doing business.
Right from the official opening by the Tourism Minister, Derek Hanekom, through to the closing remarks of South African Tourism Acting CEO, Sthembiso Dlamini, all I see is a people that have their “eyes fixed on the ball’’ and will not entertain any form of distraction.
Dlamini, in her closing remarks, said that Tourism Indaba is all about business connections and quality meetings that help tourism professionals form strategic partnerships.
According to her, Indaba has lived its theme this year. Dlamini said at a media briefing to round off the event that while the number of buyers might have declined compared to 2015, the “quality of meetings has improved”.
To ensure that tourists to South Africa get the taste of local communities, one of the major additions made to Indaba 2016 is its agenda of growing domestic tourism through its focus on SMMEs which involved a dedicated Hidden Gems zone, industry talks and training at the event. Dlamini cited positive feedback from SMMEs she had spoken to, stating those who had attended Indaba for this first time had in fact secured good businesses at the show.
