National Red Tape an obstacle for WC Tourism

Dear Editor

During a briefing by the provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) and Wesgro, it was revealed that endless red tape by the national Department of Transport and Home Affairs are obstacles to the recovery and growth of the tourism sector in the Western Cape. International and local airlines have been struggling to get the national Department of Transport to process and approve international flights despite the fact that Bilateral Air Service Agreements are in place which should allow for triangular routes from airlines such as Delta Air, Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines from Cape Town.

In fact, it is estimated that direct flights can lead to between 25% and 50% growth between international markets such as the US while cutting costs for airlines. Inconsistent implementation of policy and slow response from the national government in cutting its own red tape has thrown a roadblock in the path of economic recovery for the tourism industry. For example, in May 2021, MEC Maynier wrote to the Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, requesting the Minister urgently review and approve the triangular Atlanta – Johannesburg – Cape Town route. And 9 months later Minister Mbalula has now requested the ‘indulgence’ of the provincial Department and the opportunity to deal with the matter.

Increased international flights do not only bring tourists to our shores but are also used to export the very best of what the Western Cape has to offer – having a knock-on effect of creating more jobs and bringing foreign investment to the Western Cape. The almost one-year delay in the anticipated policy review by the national Department of Transport is not only affecting international carriers but also local airlines such as Safair and Airlink. The lack of urgency by Minister Mbalula is deeply concerning as the tourism sector needs every sphere of government to recover.

Unfortunately, the snail’s pace of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has further added to the struggles that the industry faces. The Western Cape Government has been calling for the introduction of a remote work visa to attract international tourists while also stimulating the regional economy since May last year. We welcome the announcement by the President, during his State of Nation Address, that the DHA has agreed to look into the introduction of this international best practice but we hope to see the review by the DHA prioritised and streamlined to make this a reality.

The provincial government continues to play its part in supporting businesses and promoting the Western Cape as both a bucket-list destination and a budding film location. Through its dedicated website, www.fiva.tv, the provincial government is assisting 50 companies in the film industry with their visa applications as well as supporting municipalities in creating standardised permit processes to ensure that films can be shot across every region in the Western Cape.

MPP Deidré Baartman says: “While we have seen a 50% recovery of international travellers to the Western Cape, there is still a long path ahead before the sector can fully recover. We will be inviting the national Departments of Transport and Home Affairs as well as affected airlines operating in South Africa to speak to the challenges and issues that they are facing to operate within the province and how the Western Cape can support their work. Working together across all spheres of government must be the top priority if we are to see the recovery and growth of tourism economy in South Africa.”

Regards

Deidré Baartman, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Finance, Economic Opportunities, and Tourism

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