National Tourism Sector Strategy - Department of Tourism

• Incidents of intoleranceAny form of intolerance/phobia towards others onthe basis of origin, sexual orientation and the like willnegatively affect a tourism destination. The occurrenceof xenophobic incidents, if not managed well througheffective mechanisms, will have an impact on SouthAfrica’s ability to attract the African market, which theNTSS highlights as one of the key markets to sustainregional tourism development.• Spread of diseasesThe spread of infectious or communicable diseasesposes a danger for any tourism destination. Thesevere acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2003and the bird flu epidemic in 2004 were devastating tothe Asia-Pacific region, both in terms of loss of humanlives and financial losses. The impact on tourism wasimmediate. The emergence and spread of swine flualso had devastating effects on travel patterns.• Incoherent policiesThe success of the NTSS is premised on theassumption that other sectoral policies will incorporateits pillars or imperatives. If key partners, such assector departments, fail to accept and support theNTSS, this may have serious implications for thestrategy’s implementation.• Lack of organisational structure (national/provinces and local government)The strategy calls for more integration andcollaboration between spheres of government, sectordepartments and the private sector. This, therefore,may require a review of the structures, particularlyacross spheres, for the planning and budget structureto be relevant. If drastic changes are not made in thisregard, it would mean business as usual, which is notin keeping with the spirit of the NTSS.• Poor stakeholder relations and managementAs sound stakeholder relations are essential for thesuccess of the NTSS in growing the tourism economy,it is important that institutional and structuralarrangements are put in place and working effectivelyto ensure that stakeholder relations are maintainedand well managed.It is essential that we collect good backgroundinformation and set up a well-coordinated, credibleand consistent tourism crises managementframework to ensure that, should any of the aboverisks materialise, South Africa is able to respondefficiently.17 World Economic Forum. Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. 2009.49