Investigating the supply chain drivers and barriers in the tourism industry in Pretoria

Background: The cross-cutting nature of the tourism industry is one of the defining features or characteristics of the sector. There is a high rate of interdependence in the tourism industry; hence, it is dubbed to be having a multiplier effect (direct, indirect and induced). Objectives: The aim of the study is to investigate the supply chain (SC) drivers and barriers of the businesses operating in the tourism industry in Pretoria. Method: A self-administered questionnaire was used to identify the drivers and barriers within the tourism SC (TSC). Convenience sampling was implemented among 179 businesses operating in Pretoria. Results: The results revealed that customer relationship management is an SC driver for tourism operation in Pretoria. The barriers incorporate issues such as being insensitive to the environment, not developing environmental-friendly SCs and logistics practices and not being able to assess the performance against criteria defined in the organisation’s policy. Moreover, the study presents the mitigation plan approach to deal with the TSC barriers in the near future. Conclusion: Innovation that strengthens inter-sectoral planning and collaboration is pivotal for effective coordination.