A breath of fresh air at the Info and Tourism office

The Vaal River Development Association and the Info & Tourism Office in Parys celebrates 21 years of outstanding service to the community of Parys this year. The office in Water Street, well-known to residents and visitors to Parys, was established in 2001, with the founding members being Saal de Jager, Gustav Dey, Hannes Grimbeek, Ace Magasule, MJ Makhasane and MM Sebitlo. As a non-profit company (section 21), it seeks to promote the development of the Nor- thern Free State.

It was originally registered as the Vaal River Development company. This has evolved into the Info and Tourism Office, especially after the Vredefort Dome was declared a heritage site in 2005, attracting visitors and tourists from all over.

In the past 21 years, the Info and Tourism Office has hosted many significant fundraisers like The Dome Festival and Art at the Station, to name a few, with many more being planned. At the general meeting on 13 December 2021, new directors were appointed for the office.

Since then, the office has been abuzz with new energy, new ideas and plans going forward, to promote the beautiful town of Parys as a destination for tourists and visitors alike. Those elected are dedicated and eager to represent the town and community and give their service voluntarily, without compensation, as this remains a non-profit company. The new portfolio structure was identified and implemented during a strategic planning session on 24 January.

The new directors are:

Werda Visser (chairperson and office manager) Warrin Flores (tourism) Tilla Odendaal (marketing) Karen Oelofse (marketing) Sandra Uys (strategic partnerships) Gary Westwood (fundraiser and change manager) Marieta van der Merwe (projects, festivals and events) Stephen le Roux (projects, festivals and events) Marius Pieters (finance) Etienne Duvenage (no allocated portfolio but assisting all portfolios).

Over the past two years, the Covid-19 pandemic had a huge impact on the tourism industry and, therefore, for the Parys Info Centre too. This year, no stone will be left unturned to get the Info and Tourism Office back on its feet again. The Info and Tourism Office relies solely on fundraisers and monthly membership fees to operate. Therefore, they need your support.

In the info office, Louise Kenny (056 811 4000) answers all questions relating to which guest houses, restaurants, galleries, plumbers, doctors, attorneys etc. are available and provides contact numbers. Her friendly assistance has been complimented and highly valued, not only by those who want to visit the town. Whenever a service provider’s number is needed, the info office is the best place to start.

Contact Tilla Odendaal (084 515 3870) or Karen Oelofse (082 902 2144) for promotions, events or fundraisers to market the town of Parys. The Parys Info & Tourism office operates between 09:30 and 17:00 from Monday to Friday and 10:00–14:00 on Saturdays. The office is closed on Sundays and public holidays.