The local tourism industry has shed 171 jobs since lockdown regulations were enforced in March. Tourism Dundee chairman, Naresh Gopie, said at the committee’s annual general meeting that if multiplied by six dependents each, this equates to a loss of income for over 1000 people.
“2020 was a meltdown year for the tourism industry, with conservative calculations showing a loss of R71 million in tourism spend in Endumeni for the five months, March to July.”
With the battlefields market being almost totally reliant on UK tourists, who are getting older, Tourism Dundee believes a new strategy is needed to bring visitors into the area as lockdown restrictions ease.
“With international travel a no-no for at least the next four months, Tourism Dundee intends to concentrate on the local South African market to get people to explore their own country.
While few South Africans bother to visit the battlefields, add-ons like exciting sport and adventure challenges, that incorporate battlefield visits, would encourage a younger and more affluent market to visit here. He cited the examples of off-road motorcycling, hiking, biking, township tourism and game viewing at the nearby Nambiti Game Reserve as examples.
During lockdown, the Tourism Committee was involved in the electronic promotion of the area via social media platforms and drawing up plans for more “inclusive” events to attract a cross-section of people here.
Related: DUNDEE: Tourism looks to blossom after a withering five months
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