FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 15 May 2022

Durban-based Tourism Leader to present a Paper at an International Conference

Sthandiwe Mkhize is a Durban-based Tourism Advisor and business leader. Mkhize together with associate Dr PS Sifolo , will be presenting a paper at the 11th International Conference on ‘Sustainable Tourism, Culture & Sports’ which kicks off on Wednesday the 18th of May 2022. The conference which kicks off on the aims to provide a forum for academics, emerging researchers, policymakers, industry practitioners, marketing professionals, and destination managers to discuss the latest issues and suggest solutions and strategies in the planning, development, marketing, and management of sustainable tourism. Such an opportunity will not only benefit the global tourism Industry but will also position the City of Durban as this ongoing study explores a phenomenon Durban seems to have a grasped very well. Whilst this is an ongoing study, the findings will be presented at the conference and be published thereafter. The title of the paper is “ Local campaign effect on tourism supply chain during the times of Covid-19”. Authored by both Mkhize and Sifolo.

“I am confident that we can add value and further insights into what eThekwini and other Cities have embarked on in terms of BUY LOCAL campaigns” remarked Sthandiwe. When asked why this particular study ? he replied “ South Africa and KZN province in has been subjected to a hell of macro-economic factors ranging from a global economic recession, Covid 19 pandemic , and in the recent past the July 2021 unrest of more recent the devastating floods that befell the majestic province of KwaZulu Natal. If indeed we are to be at the forefront of economic recovery , we need to invest in local economies through aggressive BUY LOCAL campaigns”. Durban ,amongst other cities have been running a “Buy Local , Invest Local Campaign” and such campaigns must be encouraged and continuously resourced. The paper explores the background and literature on local campaigns. It further explores these campaigns , especially against such distressed economies, particularly in bringing about socio-economic stability in our economy. This study adopted the qualitative research approach where the ‘web content analysis’ was adopted. The method incorporates various application of content analysis techniques. Amongst the main findings is that the local campaigns are critical for local economic growth, contribution of local expenditure in the local economy and the re-enforcement of local brand identity. Local campaigns are a major stimulant of job creation and sustenance of the SME sector.

Sthandiwe Mkhize is not only a tourism advisor but he also Chairs the Tourism Industry Workstream within eThekwini Economic Council a body providing strategic advice on economic development and inclusive growth advice and support to the City. It also acts as a sounding board for the Mayor, Council Leadership and the Economic Development and Planning Cluster on matters and initiatives relating to creating an enabling economic environment in the City”. We are confident that his continued role in the City Economy and the tourism sector will further assist the economic recovery efforts as he takes part in this conference. Details on the publication of the paper will be shared with all stakeholders as soon as the paper is published.
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Communications Team, Ms Yongeka Ntetha

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