VULINTABA – The Community Tourism Organisation hosted a business breakfast at Vulintaba Hotel on August 25 for all accommodation establishments.
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Guesthouses and Bed and Breakfasts from in and around Newcastle were invited to be part of an enlightening and informative briefing.
Launched in November last year, the CTO has been established to assist accommodations with issues such as grading.
Chairman of the CTO, Johan Pieters encouraged the establishments to share their information regarding their events and also be a member of the organisation.
Fred Pearce, Supplier Vetting Analyst pointed out the location of Newcastle is an ideal spot for tourism as it is in the middle of the axis of tourism routes.
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“You need to be ambassadors of your town,” he encouraged. “The success of your venture is in your hands.”
Mr Pearce furthered advised the owners of the local accommodations to be well acquainted with the immigration act and the necessary grading system.
“I would also like to congratulate the CTO in Newcastle for getting the ball rolling,” he said.
Mr Pieters heeded a word of caution to B and B’s who erect sign boards illegally.
“We are working with the Municipality to erect sign boards for establishments, therefore a 30 days notice is given to them to remove illegal sign boards and should they refuse to comply, they will be shut down,” he stressed.
Getting the CTO established and having sustainable community benefits is the aim of a successful tourism location according to Niki Glen, general manager of N3 Gateway.
Ms Glen believes in promoting local products and local employment to enrich the community and work hand-in-hand with establishments.
“Tourism businesses should belong to a CTO were the CTO is a part of the N3 Gateway which in turn will assist them to overcome challenges,” she encouraged.
Andrew Bruton, of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa said, the intention of the grading council was to encourage establishments to join the council so they can receive assistance.
As a globally recognised grading system, the grading council is strict on their assessments.
“However, if you’re a weak four star, be sure to be a strong three star,” reassured Mr Bruton.
