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In a joint effort to bolster the rural hospitality sector, the Port St Johns Local Municipality, in collaboration with the OR Tambo District, has handed over essential equipment to homestays in local villages. This initiative not only aims to enhance the quality of service provided to tourists but also seeks to stimulate economic growth and job creation within the community. By investing in small business owners, the municipality is taking proactive steps to combat poverty and unemployment rates, reinforcing Port St John’s reputation as a leader in Eastern Cape tourism.
Ms. Shirley Batyi, head of Planning & Local Economic Development, emphasized the significance of this initiative as an investment in the hospitality and tourism industry. She underscored the pivotal role of capacitating small business owners in generating employment opportunities for youth and driving socioeconomic development. Batyi highlighted the multiplier effect of tourism on the local economy, stating,
“The coming of one tourist to our town creates more than three jobs.”
This initiative not only supports homestay owners but also benefits hundreds of residents by fostering a thriving tourism ecosystem in Port St Johns.
Batyi further stressed, “This initiative is not merely a donation to the beneficiaries; it is an investment in the future of hospitality and tourism in Port St Johns. By empowering small business owners, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth and prosperity in our community.”
