NORTH WEST LEGISLATURE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TOURISM RAISES CONCERNS OVER LACK OF SUPPORT FOR WOMEN IN TOURISM

by | Jun 5, 2026 | Uncategorized

The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism chaired by Hon. Mpho Khunou has expressed concern over the challenges facing women-owned tourism enterprises in the province following an engagement with Women in Tourism North West Chapter.
This was during a meeting that the Committee held with the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of Women in Tourism in the North West Province in Madibeng to solicit challenges, opportunities and interventions required to support women-owned tourism businesses. The engagement focused on issues relating to market access, business development, funding support, participation in tourism trade exhibitions, skills development, compliance requirements and the overall empowerment of women operating within the tourism sector.
The Committee further sought to understand the level of support provided by government institutions and municipalities, as well as the barriers preventing women entrepreneurs from fully benefiting from opportunities within the tourism industry.
The organisation informed the Committee that despite growth in tourist arrivals and tourism attractions in the province, women-owned tourism businesses continue to face significant barriers to growth and sustainability. Key concerns raised included the province’s limited visibility and participation in major tourism trade exhibitions such as Africa’s Travel Indaba, Meetings Africa and the World Travel Market, resulting in missed market access and business development opportunities.
Women in Tourism further highlighted a lack of support and communication from the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), indicating that strategic plans and funding proposals submitted over the past two years have not received meaningful responses. The organisation also raised concerns about inadequate funding, limited access to business opportunities, insufficient skills development programmes, and poor coordination among municipalities.
The Committee noted that women in the sector require assistance with market access, tourism promotion, business growth, compliance requirements, tourism grading, customer service training, financial management, succession planning, and stronger partnerships with both government and the private sector.
“Tourism entrepreneurs, particularly women-owned businesses, are not operating non-profit organisations; they are running businesses that contribute to economic growth and job creation. Government support must therefore translate into tangible business opportunities, market access, skills development and enterprise growth,” said Hon. Khunou
Committee Members further stressed the importance of ensuring that tourism SMMEs benefit from government programmes aimed at enterprise development and economic empowerment. Members also raised concerns about support for women operating in rural areas and the need to ensure inclusivity for women living with disabilities.
As part of its recommendations, the Committee resolved to convene a follow-up engagement with DEDECT and the North West Parks and Tourism Board to account for support provided to tourism operators and women-owned businesses in the province. The Committee further encouraged Women in Tourism to strengthen partnerships with municipalities through SALGA, pursue Memoranda of Understanding with local authorities, and explore collaboration opportunities with established private sector tourism operators.
Ends
Issued on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism – Hon. Mpho Khunou
For media enquiries please contact Ms. Namhla Luhabe on 079 527 0628.

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