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Waterfall Business

‘mZAnsi TOuRism

CHAmpiOns’ WEBsiTE

uniTEs A sECTOR in nEEd

By Linsey Schluter

The travel and tourism sector is one of the hardest

hit by the global uncertainty surrounding the

COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdowns

imposed in many countries. Although the

industry, through the Tourism Business Council

of South Africa (TBCSA), is lobbying hard for the

return of local and international travel (perhaps as and operators, to freelance guides
and business owners, can register on
early as September), the outlook remains grim. the website and set up a profile. Once

they have a profile, they can either

ask for help, or offer assistance.
T he TBCsA predicts that 600 000 effort across sectors, which hopes “Through an honest, supportive and

tourism jobs could be lost this
to bring immediate support or
year alone, which would be a
devastating reality for anyone relief to immediate problems. constructive platform, we aim to unify
current efforts,” says Bosman. “We want

working in the sector. But in true “The website matches people in to bring various parties together to
south African spirit, people are pulling need with people who can help. It’s facilitate the distribution of donations,
together – and nowhere is this more very much a platform of ‘asks’ and especially to those who are struggling
evident than in the launch of Mzansi ‘answers’. We hope that, by building a to access relief funds and schemes.”

Tourism Champions, an online platform network of people who can offer skills,
dedicated to championing the needs advice and monetary donations, we’ll The platform is not focused solely

of those working in the tourism field. all be able to weather the storm.” on financial support. According to

Bosman, Mzansi Tourism Champions
Heinie Bosman, one of the A ‘strong collective’ is at the heart will act as a marketplace for a number
founders, says that Mzansi Tourism of Mzansi Tourism Champions. Any of different services, from free legal

Champions is a collaborative individuals in the industry, from agents advice to design and copywriting skills.

24 Waterfall Issue 7 2020