INDABA will put a firm focus on the tourism sector’s small, medium and micro enterprises this year.

For the first time at INDABA, there is a Hidden Gems Zone built to showcase products and services from 70 South African SMMEs.

There will also be workshops facilitated to provide knowledge and tools on how to access the market and grow their businesses.

The significant role that SMMEs play in the economic development of both developed and developing countries, and in this instance the growth of the tourism sector, is recognised and supported by South African Tourism.

The exhibiting SMMEs were selected for their uniqueness and authentic representation of South Africa as a destination.

Of these, 20 focus on the adventure experience that the country offers.

This is in collaboration with the Tourism Enterprise Partnership, a non-profit company, which facilitates the growth, development and sustainability of small tourism businesses, in sourcing the SMMEs, as well as the National Department of Tourism’s Tourism Incentive Programme to fund them.

In addition to the workshops provided for these SMMEs, South Africa Tourism is bringing 150 local hosted buyers who will meet with the SMMEs and have further opportunity at a SMME networking event on Sunday, May 8th to consolidate relations and business.

On Sunday the May 8th at 14:30, one of the INDABA media briefing sessions, Media Talk, will also focus on SMMEs in the tourism industry when a panel discussing the economics of tourism, will examine the question of how tourism businesses impact on their local communities, and what government policies, processes and projects are currently in place to ensure the empowerment, development and the growth of small businesses.