discuss tourism as a factor facing obstacles to contributing towards economic development in south africa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_South_Africa
http://www.southafrica.info/business/economy/sectors/tourism-overview.htm#.Uf_iLdJJPfE
Tourism is an important industry that has the potential to significantly contribute towards economic development in South Africa. However, there are several obstacles that the country faces when it comes to harnessing the full potential of tourism as a factor for economic growth.
1. Infrastructure: One major hindrance is the inadequate infrastructure in certain parts of the country. This includes insufficient transportation networks, limited access to clean water and electricity, and inadequate healthcare facilities. These issues can deter tourists from visiting and can negatively impact their overall experience, limiting the potential economic benefits of tourism.
To address this obstacle, the government needs to invest in improving infrastructure by providing better transportation options, upgrading utilities, and enhancing healthcare facilities specifically in tourism destinations. This would enhance the overall tourist experience and attract more visitors, resulting in increased economic development.
2. Safety and security: Another obstacle facing tourism in South Africa is concerns around safety and security. Crime rates in certain areas, including tourist hotspots, can be high, which affects the perception of safety and discourages potential tourists from visiting.
To overcome this obstacle, the government needs to prioritize the safety and security of tourists by implementing effective law enforcement measures and increasing police presence in tourist areas. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can be conducted to educate tourists about safety precautions and promote a positive image of South Africa as a safe destination.
3. Skills shortage: The tourism industry requires a skilled workforce to deliver quality services and enhance the overall tourist experience. However, South Africa faces a significant skills shortage in the tourism sector, which hampers its potential for economic development.
To address this obstacle, the government can invest in vocational training programs, higher education institutions, and apprenticeships to develop the necessary skills in the tourism workforce. This would not only improve the quality of services provided to tourists but also create employment opportunities, thus contributing to economic development.
4. Marketing and promotion: Effective marketing and promotion play a crucial role in attracting tourists to a destination. South Africa needs to enhance its marketing efforts to effectively showcase its diverse attractions and unique experiences to potential tourists.
To overcome this obstacle, the government and tourism authorities should invest in targeted marketing campaigns, both domestically and internationally. This can include leveraging digital platforms, participating in international travel trade fairs, and collaborating with travel agencies to promote South Africa as a desirable tourist destination.
In conclusion, while tourism has the potential to contribute significantly to economic development in South Africa, there are several obstacles that need to be addressed. Improving infrastructure, ensuring safety and security, addressing the skills shortage, and enhancing marketing efforts are all essential steps towards overcoming these obstacles and maximizing the economic benefits of tourism.