South African tourism businesses remain optimistic despite operational challenges

NEARLY half of tourism businesses in South Africa are expecting improved performance in the next 12 months despite economic and operational difficulties.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

These are the findings of the latest Tourism Business Pulse Report released by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) on Monday, revealing a resilient yet challenged tourism industry.

The report assessed business conditions from July 2023 to June 2024 and found that 47% of businesses expected improved performance in the next 12 months.

TBCSA the umbrella organisation representing the unified voice of business in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sector said that while the past year saw marginal above-normal performance, structural constraints continue to hamper the sector’s full recovery.

The sector experienced mixed results, 34% of businesses had a strong year, while 19% struggled due to financial and operational issues.

Businesses highlighted load shedding, rising operational costs, inadequate municipal services, and high crime rates as key barriers to business sustainability.