I was really pleased to see tourism given real weight at Davos this year. Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille stood on that stage and made a clear case that tourism should be treated as a serious economic growth engine alongside electricity, transport and mining. For an industry that employs millions and sustains entire local economies, that recognition is highly appropriate and priceless.
When she led with Club Med SA, I totally got it. A R2.5 billion resort with a global hospitality brand behind it is the kind of story that travels well in investor circles. It shows confidence. And, crucially, this wasnt another deal dressed up as international. There was real foreign capital in the mix alongside the Industrial Development Corporation IDC and local partners, and thats what makes it stand out.
I only really paused when the conversation moved straight from Club Med to the idea of rolling out similar developments across the country. On paper, it sounds doable. But, once youve spent time in this industry, you know those two ideas arent as aligned as they first appear. As a signal to investors, Club Med was the right example. As a blueprint for geographic spread, its a far more complicated proposition the actual elephant in the room.
