Hoedspruit records surge in tourism
One of the main reasons for the rise in international tourists visiting Hoedspruit is its close proximity to several popular wildlife reserves, including the famous Kruger National Park.
Hoedspruit has seen a rise in international tourists enjoying the region’s wildlife reserves and the Kruger National Park. According to Maruleng Local Municipality Mayor Tseko Musolwa, they are now working on further increasing the high numbers by ensuring direct flights from Europe and the Middle East to the Eastgate Airport. “The two main economic drivers in town are tourism and agriculture as you may know.”
“We have recently spoken to the national and provincial government about making it easy and convenient for international tourists visiting our town. “You may know that people who want to visit Hoedspruit have to travel for long hours, and we are fighting very hard with the provincial government to create convenience for tourists who are from overseas,” he said.
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Hoedspruit also offers tourists a unique cultural experience with its charming shops, restaurants, and art galleries providing a popular destination for those seeking an authentic South African experience. Tom Vorster, director at Wild about Hoedspruit, said that the high number of tourists is great for the economy. “Having international tourists in a small town like ours boosts the town socioeconomically. “Hoedspruit is known for tourism and having these tourists defines what we are all about.”
“Although the majority of the tourists are never in town as they go straight the lodges and game reserves they booked, there are those who we do see in town. “If you can see the town now, you will notice that it is very busy. “There are around five flights per day that land in Hoedspruit, so you can imagine the number that we receive in a week. “There are also self-drive tourists who we mostly see as they are in wildlife estate more than the game reserves.”
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“I do bike rentals and most of the people I talk to are Dutch, but I also meet people from other European countries as well,” he said. Herald contacted Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) MEC’s spokesperson, Hitekani Magwedza, on statistics of tourists in Hoedspruit and its impact. He said that they are verifying the information and will provide it once available.
