KZN still ‘open for business’

16/04/2015 Durban March from Currie Fontain against xenophobia to City Hall. PICTURE: SIBUSISO NDLOVU

16/04/2015 Durban March from Currie Fontain against xenophobia to City Hall. PICTURE: SIBUSISO NDLOVU

Published Apr 19, 2015

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Durban - The head of Durban Tourism, Philip Sithole, said the city was being proactive in mitigating the effects of xenophobic violence on the local and provincial economy.

However, the tourism industry was reporting cancellations from national and international visitors.

“The impact of the past week’s events is certainly being felt in the tourism sector,” Sithole said. “A number of hotels have reported cancellations. We are also receiving enquiries from tour operators whose clients are worried about coming to Durban.

“The impact of the xenophobic violence is obviously a negative one but there are still question marks around what the impact will be on the tourism and hospitality sector.

“This weekend must be written off as a loss, but the worry is whether the violence will continue next week. If it does, it will have a devastating effect on the city’s economy. Jobs will be at risk not only in tourism, but every sector.”

Sithole said the tourism research division at eThekwini Municipality was compiling statistics to show the true picture of the impact of xenophobic violence on tourism and the stats would be available from the mayor’s office this week.

However, he said his department was coming up with proactive ways to address tourists’ fears.

“We are working on a tourism recovery plan, looking at a range of ways to attract tourists. We already have international platforms for promoting the city and province, and we will be making adjustments to our media offering to reflect the current situation.”

Praneetha Aniruth of the I Love Durban campaign said the violence had cast a shadow over the city.

“We appeal to the citizens of Durban – the biggest ambassadors of our city – to refrain from posting false information, damaging pictures and statuses on social media. These posts incite hatred and fear and create a ‘mob mentality’.

“The people of Durban have been given a platform via I Love Durban to voice their opinion and it is evident that the majority of the citizens of Durban are against the senseless violence. With the exception of a few, recent events have fostered a spirit of ubuntu among our people.

“The attacks have highlighted the socio-economic problems affecting our community. It is the duty of government, business and each and every citizen to help improve the quality of life for all.”

A press release issued on Friday on behalf of the mayor of eThekwini, James Nxumalo, reassured travel industry role-players that the xenophobic violence would not derail the tourism Indaba taking place between May 9 and 11.

“All stakeholders should rest assured that KwaZulu-Natal and Durban are open for business,” said city spokeswoman Tozi Mthethwa.

Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Dumile Cele called for “tolerance and understanding as we espouse free market principles”. She urged all foreign-owned SMMEs to “engage in constructive dialogue with the chamber in the hope of becoming formally integrated into existing business structures available in the region”.

“Though competition is rife, we believe a harmonious business environment can still be enjoyed in this space,” she said.

Sunday Tribune

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