Tuesday, March 19, 2024
According to a recent audit on skills by the SADC Business Council, it’s crucial for tourism providers in the SADC region to adopt digital advancements swiftly to stay ahead in the global market. The audit points out that the shift towards digital methods and online engagement is key for tourism industry operations globally, yet a significant number of tourism businesses within SADC are not fully equipped to leverage these changes.
The audit identifies substantial shortcomings in areas such as digital fluency, customer engagement, effective communication, and leadership within the sector. Smaller enterprises, in particular, are facing challenges due to a lack of fundamental digital knowledge, posing a risk to their growth and long-term viability in the tourism and hospitality industries.
It also highlights that small to medium-sized businesses, which are crucial to the tourism sector of the region, desperately need to enhance their management and digital competencies. This necessity is not limited to smaller businesses; larger companies are also experiencing difficulty in recruiting qualified managers, suggesting a sector-wide predicament.
“Tourism globally is undergoing a digital revolution, yet many of our SADC enterprises risk getting left behind,” says Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, interim chairperson for the Manager for the SADC Business Council. “We need concerted efforts, from both public and private sectors, to rapidly upskill employees if SADC hopes to remain competitive.”
To address these issues, the report recommends a variety of measures including more practical learning opportunities, the creation of specialized skill certifications, financial support for training in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the fostering of partnerships between the industry and educational institutions, and the enhancement of trainer qualifications. These strategies are aimed at closing the skills gap and equipping the workforce for a digital future.
The SADC Business Council is actively pursuing these initiatives in cooperation with government bodies, educational facilities, and industry leaders to not only improve skill levels but also to tap into the tourism sector’s full potential. This effort is expected to significantly boost economic development and create numerous job opportunities within the SADC area.
“We stand at a pivotal moment,” added Tshivhengwa. “By equipping our workforce with the right digital skills, we can transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring a prosperous future for tourism in the SADC region.”
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
