Meet some of the SMMEs participating at ATTS

IInclusive growth is mandatory for the South African tourism sector to recover following the impact of COVID-19. Small and medium-sized businesses bring fresh ideas and flexibility to adapt to a new tourism economy. At the upcoming Africa’s Travel Tourism Summit starting on Sunday, 19^th September, South African Tourism (SA Tourism) will provide small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) a full-day event to help equip them with the necessary skills to be agile as the tourism industry tries to reimagine itself.

Some of the SMMEs that will be present at the Future Pioneers and Game Changers training day include;

1. Africa!Ignite

Africa!Ignite is a non-profit rural enterprise development agency, which is based in Durban and works across KwaZulu-Natal and elsewhere in South Africa and increasingly into Africa. Their purpose it to help bridge the development gap between rural and urban communities, by creating opportunities for rural women, youths, and emerging entrepreneurs to operate successful businesses, earn a decent living, improve their knowledge and skills and tell their stories.

Africa!Ignite has developed the WOWZULU best-case sustainable tourism model for South Africa. The primary purpose of the current WOWZULU programme is to ensure that previously excluded and marginalised communities on the doorstep of popular tourist destinations, and in particular rural women and youth, start to participate equally in the tourism economy. Community entrepreneurs offer a range of authentic, active cultural experiences to tourists who want to get off the beaten track and have real, intense experiences. These entrepreneurs sell locally handmade products using traditional techniques and sustainably harvested or upcycled materials.

2. Dawn Travel & Tours

Dawn Travel & Tours is a Free State based tour operator owned by Magogodi Mpuru. The company operates throughout South Africa and the SADC Region and has been in operation since 2016. They have over the years serviced different government department as a trusted & reliable service provider.

3. Easy Living Vacations

Easy Living Vacations is a boutique Travel & Tour Operator based in Cape Town, South Africa.

They offer Impeccable Service, 24/7 Support and a great love for Travel all made possible by a small team of Independent Travel Professionals who are always ready to be of service to South Africa and the World! Their team consists of Cruise Specialists, Africa Tour Specialists, Registered Tour Guides, Local and Global Travel Advisors and they together bring a combined experience of more than 50 years.

4. Mzansi Tourism Experience

Mzansi Tourism Experience is a 100% black owned and managed (50% black youth owned and managed) integrated tourism company based in Gauteng province. Its operating services range from travel management, hotels, lodges and restaurants to craft, and, Enterprise Development, aiming to be a preferred tourism enterprise for both Domestic, International Travelers.

Their steady growth as an integrated tourism company has been driven by a commitment to exceptional quality, service and value.

5. Touch Let's Go travel & tours agency (PTY) LTD

Touch Let’s Go travel & Tours Agency (PTY) LTD is a Lilizela award winning Tour Operating business based in Kimberley but operating nationally as an inbound tour operator. They are an accredited member of Proudly South African (PSA) in promotion and support of the Buy Local Campaign. They are also an affiliation member of SATOVITO (South African Township & Village Tourism Association). Touch Let’s Go does not only serve the private people but they also work with both government and private companies in creating and arranging Sho’t Left packages for all national destinations, and are slowly working their way into the SADC Region.

They provide private & group tours, leisure tours, events & sports tours, family & kids packages, adventure & activity tours, school educational tours and run community awareness campaigns, etc.

6. Kruger Lowveld Ehlanzeni

Kruger Lowveld Ehlanzeni is a regional tourism organization promoting South Africa's premier inland tourism destination-the Kruger Lowveld region of Mpumalanga, including the Kruger National Park and surrounding private reserves. They provide comprehensive visitor information services on itineraries, products and authentic travel experiences while also encouraging responsible and sustainable tourism in Kruger Lowveld for the local people and economy.

7. Mawethu tours and safaris

Mawethu tours and safaris is a 100% black owned tour operating company based in Port Elizabeth. They offer nature and cultural tours in Eastern Cape and Western Cape with a vision of sharing and showcasing the beautiful rainbow country, South Africa.

8. Areyeng Tours and Events Pty Ltd

Areyeng Tours and Events offers group tours, educational tours, adventures tours, air ticket, booking accommodation, conferences, events, historical and hiking tours.

In addition to the efforts of empowering SMMEs SA Tourism has spent the past few months focusing on developing the skills required by the sector to provide excellent service to visitors. Over 450 SMMEs across all nine provinces have been trained to ensure their meaningful participation in the recovery process.  

In a country where rural tourism is viewed as a means to eliminate poverty and create employment opportunities in rural areas, training rural communities is also being prioritised.

Rural tourism consists of leisure activities carried out in rural areas, and includes different types of tourism activities such as community-based tourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism, guest farms, backpacking, riding and agri-tourism.

Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit promises to be the continent’s most exciting gathering of tourism stakeholders. Taking place between 19 and 21 September, the Summit’s first day is dedicated to training and grooming of SMMEs. 

If you want your business to be part of SMME Day, or would simply like to attend the Summit, visit our official website to register now. Physical attendance is not guaranteed due to a Covid-19 restriction on gatherings.

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About South African Tourism

South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination. It is headed up by Acting Chief Executive Officer Ms Sthembiso Dlamini.