The hospitality sector has urged Durban to focus on fixing fundamental services in order to bolster its tourism sector rather than introducing a tourism levy proposed by the citys municipality.
On July 10, eThekwini Municipalitys Economic Development and Planning Committee advised the citys destination marketing organisation Durban Tourism to embark on a feasibility study on the introduction of a new tourism levy.
The proposed levy will be a ring-fenced funding mechanism designed to support the marketing of Durban as a tourism destination of choice both locally and internationally, and to drive tourism-related innovations and initiatives, the committee said in a statement. The ultimate goal is to reduce reliance on municipal funding and improve long-term financial sustainability.
FEDHASA National Chairperson Rosemary Anderson told Tourism Update that the imposition of the levy is not only inappropriate but counterproductive.
It is not the tourism industry that has underdelivered hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses continue to offer excellent value and experiences. The real issue lies with the municipalitys inability to deliver the fundamental services expected by any traveller: unpolluted beaches, clean water, safe roads, refuse removal, safe environment and reliable infrastructure, said Anderson.