Making 2010 work for us
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2010 is no longer a haze on the horizon. The FIFA Soccer World Cup is now only months away. Our challenge in the Cacadu region is to get maximum economic benefit out of the event. There are the obvious temporary employment opportunities that will flow from an increase in tourist numbers.
The stats say that more or less for every 8 tourists, one job in the tourism or related industries is created. However, the real test will be an increase in tourism post-2010, particularly in the context of the current economic climate. This requires all of us in the district to be ready – every single one of us not just the people working in hospitality and tourism. This is because tourists essentially seek an experience, within a selected location. The experience is not only the accommodation and activities, but rather everyone/thing that the tourists comes into contact with. Cast your mind back to your last holiday – did you have to refuel? Buy groceries at the local supermarket? Stop and ask someone for directions (when your GPS failed)? All of these are examples of tourist interactions. One negative interaction has the potential to overshadow all the positive interactions.
In addition, it is estimated that approximately 715 million international viewers will watch the World Cup (and related news). That is 715 million opportunities for South Africa to puts its best foot forward (not only on the soccer field) on the world’s stage for future growth and development of the tourism industry.
So if you do happen to have to dodge a tourist driving on the wrong side of the road or have to offer your seat in the game drive vehicle to someone with whom you can only converse in the universal language of signs and expressions, take three deep breaths and spare a thought for those who do not have jobs, let alone cars or disposable income to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of our country and the employment opportunities that exist in a growing tourist industry, 2010 and beyond. Ke Nako. It is indeed time. Are you ready? |