Tourism drive starts in Hoedspruit

World Tourism Day is held annually on 27 September, its purpose being to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.

The MEC addressed the global challenges outlined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and to highlight the contribution the tourism sector can make in reaching these goals.

‘This is an opportunity to showcase our unique tourism offerings with the aim to uncover the hidden treasure of Limpopo.

This part is a jewel that has kept our tourist numbers growing in leaps and we have decided to come here because of the attraction is very unique but known to very few domestic travellers, said MEC Sekoati.

Sekoati said that hosting of tourism month is so special for Limpopo hence the unveiling of their plan within the Kruger2Canyon Biosphere reserve which is a unique area that promotes co-existence between man and nature.

‘We are here to hold hands with you as we elevate the promotion of this area to greater heights. Let it be known today that part of the canyon is in Limpopo and that the Kruger2Canyon Biosphere is part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park an unique conservation area that traverses through three countries,’ said Sekoati.

Sekoati encouraged people to utilise the partnership the LEDET has with National department of Tourism to showcase their unique tourist attraction that they treasure in growing their economy.

Their aim is to make sure that they attract domestic travellers for leisure.

This year they have launched a campaign targeted at first time travellers who will be treated on a three day excursion in the province from September 24 to September 26.

This is aimed at creating a culture of travel within communities and changing the mind-set that says tourism is only for the rich.

Hoedspruit Chamber of Commerce chairperson Sarah Berg said that the fact that the MEC chose Hoedspruit as a place to launch tourism month is an accomplishment for the town as they were not well marketed before but now the spotlight is on the town.

In the whole country this is a month long celebration aimed at promoting domestic tourism and encourages South Africans to travel. It is very important that all South Africans especially Limpopo citizens become ambassadors of their own country and Province.

MEC of Limpopo Department of Economic Development Environment and Tourism (LEDET) Separo Sekoati with Senior General Manager of tourism Services Annemie de Klerk catch up before the unveiling of Limpopo’s tourism month.