This in response to the disruption caused by the ongoing taxi strike in and around Cape Town, which affected travel around the airport this morning.

“Our members have been actively helping each other navigate these disruptions to limit the impact on guests, who are arriving and departing on domestic and international flights. However, while we have an excellent community of stakeholders who are mitigating the impact on travellers, we are not immune as a destination to the longer-term impacts of such a strike and resulting acts of violence,” says Oupa Pilane, SATSA Chair.

“It is a great pity that Capetonians and visiting tourists must endure this disturbance. For tourism, however, the implications are far greater than a short-term inconvenience and safety implications for guests and staff, to whom we are deeply thankful for making every effort to keep the tourism industry functioning despite the challenges they face.”

In the medium to long term, this is particularly damaging from a destination reputation perspective, says Pilane. Illustrating this, the UK Government has already issued an advisory about the strikes, warning travellers about the disruption and violence.

“When one considers that just a few weeks ago Cape Town was listed the #1 city in the world by the Telegraph Travel Awards, this kind of behaviour does tourism and its ability to contribute to the economy and job creation no favours,” Pilane continues.

SATSA members operating in Cape Town report that it is business as usual. “The tourism industry is incredibly resilient and used to dealing with crises. As usual, we will handle this one professionally and do everything we can to ensure that our guests’ experience is as smooth and safe as possible so that they have an exceptional stay in the Mother City, return and tell others of their positive experience,” Pilane concludes.

About SATSA

SATSA, the voice of inbound tourism, is a member-driven association that offers inbound tourism services companies the highest level of quality in the tourism industry. At SATSA, we strive to maintain our three key qualities in all the work we do: credibility, value and authority. SATSA further provides support to members who require key services and benefits on a local and regional level, and at international trade shows. The organisation also lobbies issues associated and affecting the inbound tourism industry.

Issued by:

Big Ambitions

Kim Taylor

kim@bigambitions.co.za  

076 825 5508

www.bigambitions.co.za

The idea is to block traffic from and to OR Tambo International Airport.

Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Metro, said in a statement issued on 19 March: “The taxi industry in Ekurhuleni has given the City notice that its members will be embarking on a march tomorrow, March 20. Due to this anticipated protest, which will take place throughout Ekurhuleni, the City would like to inform the public that its bus services will be suspended as a precautionary measure for the day, following a threat of violence.

As a result of the protest the City of Ekurhuleni will stop all bus services for the day.“Commuters are encouraged to seek alternative modes of transport for tomorrow (Tuesday). We do apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding. The bus service will be fully operational from March 22,” Gadebe said.

Commuters will be compensated with a free ride for a lost day.

According to information received, Ekurhuleni Management Council (MANCO) held a meeting on March 15 at Kempton Park Civic Centre to deliberate on the planning of a protest march planned for March 20.