While South Africa’s tourism sector contributed 7% to 2019’s GDP, it has been one of the hardest hit during Covid-19.
Now contributing a mere 4%, it is vital to find new ways to revive tourism which could include the recent rise of digital nomads and ‘workstations’.
This is according to Niels Verspui, country manager at RoomRaccoon South Africa who supports the call for government to extend the length of the remote working visa beyond 90 days which was introduced by the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member, James Vos. This also follows the release of a report by Nestpick which names Cape Town as one of the top destinations for digital nomads.
“Covid-19 has shown us that remote work is possible as long as there is a decent internet connection” says Verspui. “Because of this, Airbnb reported an increase in long-term stays globally during the first half of 2021 and it is something that local accommodation companies can take advantage of”.
He says that vacation rental properties or properties with a kitchenette in their rooms are well positioned to accommodate long-term stays. “These businesses should aim to include incentives to attract digital nomads such as special prices for long-term stays. Hotels could also take advantage of this trend, as travellers may wish to stay in rooms with housekeeping and breakfast included”.
Attracting these types of tourists will have a positive impact on GDP and job creation in South Africa explains Verspui. The tourism industry is one of the most important sectors in the country, providing an environment for local entrepreneurs to start small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) – the lifeblood and growth engine of the country.
“This is because the purchasing power parity (PPP) for travellers from other countries is generally favourable and digital nomads will be able to go out for dinner, go shopping and explore local attractions which will benefit local businesses”.
Additionally, many people who are in jobs that allow them to work remotely are well paid. This is reflected in recent research by the US Census Bureau, which shows that those that were able to work remotely during the pandemic were in 73% of the highest-earning households, with annual incomes of over $200 000 (R2.9 million).
“However, when it comes to the benefits the country offers for digital nomads, it is undeniable that South Africa is also one of the most beautiful countries in the world,” he adds. “Travellers will also be able to take advantage of a great climate, world-class attractions and natural phenomena, with no time difference for travellers from Europe.”
Although the call to extend the remote working visa is being spearheaded by the City of Cape Town, it is something that Verspui believes tourism businesses across the country can take advantage of. “Big cities will be the most popular destination for digital nomads,” he says. “However, the remoter areas will be perfect for digital nomads to enjoy leisure travel and experience different parts of the country.”
Verspui encourages accommodation providers to start planning for when the country has been removed from red lists across the globe and more South Africans have been vaccinated.
“Although tourism has taken a massive knock, we need to adapt and seek out new opportunities to turn the industry around” he concludes.
