Tourism advancing, but roads should be kept in mint condition: LTA
Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) board Chairperson, Andrew Dipela, said the government must ensure infrastructure such as roads are always in good condition.
LIMPOPO –Â Dipela made this statement during the agency’s Speed Marketing workshop for local product owners at Kone Village Boutique Lodge in Makhado last Thursday.
According to Dipela, the speed marketing workshop serves as a platform where local tourism product owners are given an opportunity to briefly market their products.
He said poor infrastructure has a negative impact on the agency and the province as a whole.
“The infrastructure aspects need to be taken seriously by the government, particularly the provincial government. Many of our tourists lose their lives due to poor maintenance of roads,” he said.
Dipela added they ensure that their marketing programmes at the agency boost local businesses in the tourism industry.
“The report from StatsSA shows that our province is number one nationally in terms of domestic tourism and position three in international tourism,” said Dipela.
He said the stats really show that tourism is growing in the province and therefore the sector should be supported.
“We have opened regional tourism offices which we believe will provide services to the industry in the different districts,” said Dipela.
Dipela further said the regional offices will also be assisting in interfacing with the municipalities in terms of infrastructure aspects that are within the sphere of the municipalities they deal with.
LTA interim CEO, Gladwin Kotsedi, said they invited a delegation of 15 leading tour operators who are servicing their key markets worldwide.
“Over and above the speed marketing workshop, tour operators will also be given an opportunity to do site visits to various areas in different parts of the province. We are confident this exercise will enhance our marketing efforts to increase tourist numbers to our province,” said Kotsedi.
