Wednesday, December 13, 2017
In South Africa, slow economic growth in the next few years and a weak rand could help boost domestic tourism. Travellers are opting for local travel instead of abroad, as per latest available data.
Domestic tourism is regarded as the backbone of sustainable tourism growth but has seen a serious decline over the past few years. Domestic tourist trips declined 12.5% in 2015 as compared to the previous year, and saw a further 0.7% dip in 2016.
SA Tourism showed that marketing budget for domestic tourism could play a role in boosting numbers. Continued low economic growth is expected in the next four years.
Research said that domestic economic conditions were the main factors behind lacklustre domestic tourism growth and spends, although market awareness and product offerings also played a significant role.
According to the research, “The survey indicated that approximately 48% of the adult population of SA cannot afford to travel, are unemployed or have no income. The research further indicated the need to promote a culture of travel among all South Africans and to ensure that industry players, as well as SA Tourism, together with provinces and municipalities, invest more effort and resources towards unlocking and encouraging domestic travel.”
Tags: South Africa
