LTA to launch Tourism Month programme

Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) is planning to launch its 2017 September Tourism Month programme and activities in the Capricorn district during the last week of August in order to allow people enough time to plan for their holidays.
According to LTA Spokesperson, Mike Tauatsoala the launch will present the agency with an opportunity to showcase an avalanche of tourism attractions the province has on offer. “We have so many tourism opportunities and offerings at the province’s disposal that we will be showcasing during the month. We will also be having Spring Day activations in all the districts in the province,” Tauatsoala said. Various special packages will also be on offer during the month.
Some of the events lined up for the month are the Limpopo Tourism Media Tour to all the districts as well as Spring Day celebrations in all the districts. Another highlight will be the Wildlife Mahala Week, a part of the agency’s drive to encourage and grow domestic tourism, “During the week the public is encouraged to visit local tourism attractions within their localities. The visits will be free at all resorts and parks.
“We are also going to have the Lilizela Tourism Awards to award the best tourism establishments, products and tour guides in the province,” Tauatsoala added.
Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa last Thursday at the national launch of Tourism Month 2017 held in Dullstroom announced that Mpumalanga will have the honour of hosting all national Tourism Month celebrations and events this year.
LTA Board Chairperson, Andrew Dipela led the Limpopo delegation to the launch.
Xasa reportedly said September is the one month where all focus is intentionally placed on South Africa’s tourism sector and all the role players are recognised.
“The spotlight shifts to the lesser visited places and, possibly most importantly, the entire industry talks to our nation and outlines how we intend to grow this sector,” the Minister is quoted to have said.
She further said just over 10 million international tourists visited South Africa in 2016, 12,5% more than the number of tourists who travelled to the country in 2016. “These trips contributed R102 billion into the economy.”
According to Xasa, recent tourism performance report states that in 2016, 24,3 million trips were taken locally and generated R26,5 billion in total direct domestic spend. “The bed nights and length of stay among domestic tourists increased, although many were in unpaid establishments such as in the homes of friends or family members.”

Story: Herbert Rachuene
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