World Cup help for small business
1 March 2007
South Africa is to invest R170-million into its Tourism Enterprise Programme, an initiative designed to stimulate small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) development in the tourism sector.
Speaking at a business forum hosted by the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein this week, South African Tourism CEO Moeketsi Mosola said small businesses from around the country would be able to apply to the programme for assistance that would "partially cover the grading costs."
For the first time in its history, Fifa will be contracting non-hotel accommodation such as national park accommodation, bed and breakfasts, lodges and guesthouses during the 2010 World Cup.
However, Mosola said, interested establishments would have to obtain a grading rating from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa in order to be contracted by Match, the Fifa company responsible for accommodation, ticketing and information technology during the event.
"This will help use to achieve the dual objectives of spreading tourism benefits beyond cities where matches are taking place, and of providing spectators with an even wider range of accommodation options," he said.
Mosola cautioned businesspeople against focusing only on accommodation when looking for opportunities ahead of the World Cup.
"There are a myriad of other opportunities for both large and small players," he said. "For example, support services to the accommodation sector like laundry, housekeeping and food and beverage supply would be excellent options to investigate."
Opportunities also abounded in sectors such as construction, security services, transfers, volunteer training, grading assessment and event management.
Tourism Organising Plan
Based on research into the opportunities and challenges facing the industry, SA Tourism has developed a Tourism Organising Plan to maximise tourism value in
2010.
This includes measures to increase the number of graded establishments, develop a database of tourism products in the country, and address poor service levels and skills shortages.
The plan also involves ensuring tourism-friendly transport at focal points, and working with the Department of Safety and Security to implement a national tourism safety plan.
Mosola said SA Tourism was committed to ensuring that 2010 would stimulate the country's economy, leaving a lasting physical, social and economic legacy.
However, 2010 was not an end in itself but "a milestone in our quest to make destination South Africa the world's top destination in terms of service excellence, hospitality, authenticity, variety and awesome experiences."
SouthAfrica.info reporter
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