There is a significant discrepancy between official tourism figures and the reality experienced by the hospitality industry, where low occupancy rates threaten many businesses, and it’s time for a reality check in the accommodations sector, says Dungan.
“Somewhere something doesn’t add up. While official reports indicate that South Africa’s tourism industry is growing, the fact of the matter is that the hotel, guest house and broader accommodation sector is experiencing a particularly tough time, with many establishments being forced to close their doors.”
The private sector, government and organised labour need to work together to ensure sustainable job creation in the hospitality sector, he says. “This means agreement on the state of the industry, responsible and consistent messaging to operators and a clearly defined growth plan.”
The two-day
Getaway Travel & Tourism Conference will explore the single most pressing issue faced by the tourism industry today: how to increase real tourism to South Africa and, arguably more important, how to fill empty beds.
Dungan serves on several other boards and associations, including the Tourism Business Council of SA, South African Tourism and the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
He is one of several experts who will address a range of industry-related issues, including the digital and operational challenges facing the sector, trends in inbound tourism, foreign exchange legislation, the latest greening initiatives and the local tourism market.
Among the other speakers offering their perspectives are Simon Gear, Environmental Specialist, Kijani Green Energy; Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold, CEO, Cape Town Tourism; William Price, SA Tourism’s e-Marketing Global Manager; and Branko Brkic, editor of
The Daily Maverick.
The
Getaway Travel & Tourism Conference takes places at the Coca-Cola dome, Northgate, on 31 August and 1 September. Full details and booking information are available at
http://conference.getaway.co.za