Digital space to transform local tourism

As from the second week of September Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA), the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, local municipalities and stakeholders will promote domestic tourism and tourism attractions in the province using digital space as part of Tourism Month initiatives.
At the launch of Tourism Month in Makhado last Friday, LTA board chairperson Andrew Dipela reportedly said various identified hotspots in the province will be provided with free Wi-Fi as part of the agency’s rollout plan to optimise marketing of the sites and attractions for sustainable tourism operations whilst promoting inclusive and quality growth of the tourism economy through digital transformation.
Special packages will be made available through the LTA website and the newly established provincial tour operators’ hub, Cross Limpopo Tourism. “Internet connectivity is very critical and as such we will use this opportunity to encourage our products and operators to increase their presence in utilising the digital technological platforms effectively to promote their businesses. We are extremely delighted that the Limpopo Connexion has commenced rollout of broadband in the province an initiative that will impact all sectors of our economy,” Dipela was quoted to have said.
He stressed that the use of technology strengthens effectively evidence-based decision making, prioritisation of measures and anticipation of future scenarios at the destination level while allowing the national sector to better support and meet regional, national and international goals and visions such as the 2030 Development Agenda.
“We would want more industry partners, product owners, and anyone in our tourism value chain to utilise digital platforms as well because more transactions take place online and we cannot afford to lag behind as we are in the fourth industrial revolution. We invite all mobile service providers to come on board and assist all product owners and attraction operators to embrace the digital space by providing them services to enhance connectivity,” Dipela added.
Among the activities planned for Tourism Month are the National Parks Mahala week initiative aimed at giving community members an opportunity to enjoy their natural heritage free of charge and by so doing cultivating a culture of pride in all citizens and to enhance their relationship with the country’s natural, cultural and historical heritage.
Community members, especially educators and school groups, are urged to visit any proximate national park during September.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
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