Umhlanga Tourism advocates for business compliance
The workshop will provide guidance to accommodation businesses on requirements and procedures which need to be followed with regard to compliance.
DURBAN Tourism is hosting a compliance workshop next week for accommodation businesses in the tourism sector, something Umhlanga Tourism chairperson Jeannie Sarno says is vital when it comes to ensuring that the industry is regulated.
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Speaking to Northglen News, Sarno said there is an ‘alarmingly large number of non-compliant members in the tourism sector in the area’.
“This may be due to the fact that businesses are unaware of the regulations as per the Tourism Accommodation Establishments By-law of 2022. Businesses have to be affiliated with the Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) and Community Tourism Organisation (CTO). This applies to Air BnBs, too. They are not excluded as they provide accommodation for lodging,” she said.
The workshop takes place on October 23 at Moses Mabhida, from 10:00 to 16:00, where issues such as non-compliance, amending the business’ current status from non-compliant to compliant, and legislative requirements will be discussed.
“Businesses that sell and supply meals or perishable foodstuffs and alcohol, have entertainment or health facilities, or establishments that are currently not compliant should start with attending this workshop. A majority of the relevant departments will be present to assist. This is not a workshop to point fingers but to rectify a business from illegal to compliant,” said Sarno.
“When tourists visit uMhlanga, they want to spend their time in a fully compliant establishment as this minimises any risk and fosters trust among visitors. Businesses that comply attract more conscientious travellers and stakeholders. In order to comply with the Tourism Act, every tourism business must register with their local CTO and EDTEA.
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The compliance fees, she says, are reasonable compared to the penalties – up to R100 000 – that a business may be liable to pay should they be found to not have the proper licences.
“If a business is not compliant, they are able to offer tourists lower rates than the ones who are registered as they don’t pay the applicable fees, and this affects the compliant ones drastically. The law should be the same for everyone. We want to encourage businesses to become compliant and see the many advantages there are to doing so,” she added.
“Umhlanga Tourism Organisation also hosts events, training and functions for our members. We have an obligation to report the non-compliant establishments, but I hope that before we do this, these businesses come to the workshop,” said Sarno.
To attend the workshop, send an email to Lusanda.Ndlovu@durban.gov.za or call 031 322 0047 before October 18.
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