Rally accommodation woes for Sapa Yopa

MEMBERS of Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club say they are not impressed with the Limpopo Tourism Agency’s (LTA) help in identifying accommodation for the club’s annual rally.

This year’s rally will start on November 27.

Club president, Sarel Nong, says he is angry that the LTA has not come on board to help the club.

“What bothers me is that we approached them for assistance, but no one seems to be willing to help. The club boosts the local economy by bringing thousands of people to the city for this rally. All we ask from the LTA is to help us identify accommodation,” says Nong.

LTA spokesperson, Nthlhekeng Kgatla, says he was not aware of the issue.

“The agency is always open to help people with tourism related issues. We will find a solution to this problem,” says Kgatla.

He says there is no way the agency will shut the door on people who helped develop the tourism industry.

“We are going to give this matter the attention it deserves and make sure we work with Sapa Yopa. We are always open to share our database of tourism destinations across the province,” he says.

Last year, the Sapa Yopa rally brought more than 5 000 people from as far as Durban, the Free State, Botswana and Swaziland to the city.

According to Nong, most overnight accommodation in the city are already fully booked for this year’s rally.

He advises people to use the internet to search for alternative accommodation.

“We would like to apologize to bikers and clubs who struggle to find accommodation in Polokwane.

“We are working hard to find alternative accommodation.

“I want to remind our participants that there will also be a camp site available.”