The training aims to empower and transform over 1 300 businesses to leverage online platforms for the revival, growth and sustainability of their businesses after the impact of Covid-19.

Phaka Hlazo, founder at Zulu Nomad and InTravel Africa, says, "Being a social entrepreneur in Africa means that we are never short of problems to solve. Through the '#LetsInnovateTourism' initiative, we are committed to driving digital transformation in the sector, starting with facilitating digital marketing training for micro-and-small business owners in the tourism sector."

"We are not only about providing information, but we are passionate about seeing it used effectively and ensuring that businesses are able to reap the rewards of investing in digital solutions," adds Hlazo.

"Although tourism contributed close to 9% to South Africa's GDP before the Covid-19 pandemic, and South Africa being a leader in international tourism arrivals on the continent, the sector is made up predominantly of small businesses — many of whom do not have the requisite tools to thrive in the digital economy," says Hlazo.

Hlazo adds, "An interesting study on women-owned tourism enterprises in Sierra Leone — published by the UNWTO in November 2019 — found that only 16% of these enterprises were using email when communicating with their clients. At Zulu Nomad, having operational experience in eight African countries, we believe that this statistic carries across several African countries, including South Africa."

The '#LetsInnovateTourism' initiative consists of programmes that can help businesses to capitalise on the gains of digitisation and build awareness on what digital tools are available for these businesses.

The Boost with Facebook training programme delivered by Digify Africa will deep-dive into social media tools available to tourism business owners through a series of free training sessions. The initiative is in partnership with key organisations such as:
  • the South African Tourism Association '#LetsGo' campaign
  • World Travel Market
  • Africa Travel Week, and
  • Digify Africa.
Hlazo concludes, "The tourism industry is a key driver for economic growth and job creation in South Africa with an extensive value chain across various sectors. It has the potential to create prosperity for individuals, businesses and communities across the country. But it is also one of the sectors worst hit by the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. We hope this digital skills training will help revive the entire industry and the economies within the continent."

Individuals are encouraged to click on the following if they are interested in attending one or all of the sessions: 
For more information, visit www.digifyafrica.com. You can also follow Digify Africa on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.