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At the 35th edition of the indaba, which took place last weekend, City Press spoke to a number of small business owners from South Africa and the rest of the African continent.
For them, the indaba is as much about meeting potential local tourism business partners as it is about meeting international buyers.
SA Tourism CEO Thulani Nzima said that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) were often not “indaba ready” and needed assistance.
Nzima added that this year the indaba catered specifically for SMMEs through initiatives such as the speed marketing system, where small businesses were allocated a set time to pitch their tourism offerings to international and local buyers.
One such organisation is the Tourism Enterprise Partnership, a not-for-profit company that uses funds sourced from corporate South Africa and government to facilitate the growth, development and sustainability of small tourism businesses.
The company assists SMMEs with accessing funding, connecting with buyers, matching small companies with large companies for black economic empowerment partnerships, and also offers mentorship and skills transfer to small tourism businesses.
“Tourism is labour intensive and creates jobs. Government recognises this and realises that we are boosting job creation and helping to transform the tourism sector by supporting SMMEs,” explained CEO Salifou Siddo.
Desiree Rajoo, whose business, Discover Durban Travel and Tours, is a member of the Tourism Enterprise Partnership, said the mentorship was extremely important.
“It is easy to give someone funding. Funding is important, but if you are not mentored properly, the funds will just run out,” she said.
Rajoo said that her involvement with the partnership was instrumental in the creation of opportunities for her business.
“You have to grasp every opportunity. You also have to learn to work with other smaller tourism operators,” she said.
Shaheed Ebrahim from Escape to the Cape, another partnership member, said that working with other small operators was a way to pursue bigger business deals, which is something he has done successfully.
Riette Bennet from Advantage Tours, which is based in St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal, has attended the indaba for the past 15 years. She found it useful to meet and greet neighbouring product owners who supported her business.
Ayanda Mabizela, who runs Tuskers Bed andamp; Breakfast in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, attended the indaba for the first time this year.
“We have heard from people who have attended before how the Tourism Indaba can help with potential business, as it is an opportunity to meet people from diverse tourism backgrounds.
“At the indaba, you learn, network and make business contacts. We have made great contacts, interacted with international people as well, and also learnt of ways in which we can improve our business,” she explained.
Bukhosi Mpofu, of Khanondo Safaris andamp; Tours, was attending in person for the first time, although the Zimbabwe-based company has been represented at the indaba for the past five years.
He said the indaba was a good platform to network and promote his company’s image in the global market.
“The indaba is very welcoming to all small businesses, whether local or international.
“Not only do they give these businesses the ability to promote themselves, but they also provide assistance by bridging the gap between local and global markets,” he said.
“With the increased pace of globalisation, e-commerce is the next best avenue to market a business.
“So, at the indaba we focused on engaging online companies to increase our online presence,” Mpofu added.
He said they had identified various online booking and media platforms, which would hopefully promote the company.
Mpofu also managed to secure a number of leads, which he hoped would result in fruitful business relationships.
Thiofhi Ravele from Fair Trade Tourism, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes ethical and responsible tourism in South Africa, said it was important for small tourism businesses to operate in a “fair and responsible” manner.
He highlighted that most businesses in the South African tourism industry did not abide by the R2 908 minimum wage requirement.
Ravele said this had to change.
Peterson Mahlangu, whose business Fundani Tours is certified by Fair Trade Tourism, said it was important to be certified.
“I have learnt a lot about developing human resources policies and procedures, and working with businesses around me.
“Most of the people with whom I partner, such as restaurants, hotels and tour operators, are from my area in Cullinan,” said Mahlangu.
Noted Ravele: “We encourage businesses that are certified to become a family and share their experiences. They find new ideas and new solutions by doing so.”
