Karabo Ntanzi
The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, urged local municipalities to repair ailing infrastructure to attract tourists. Saul said poor infrastructure in the province will drive away visitors if not addressed timeously. He said water cuts are also a significant concern as tourists only visit an area with necessities. Saul accompanied Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille at Batsumi Guest House in Galeshewe to launch Tourism Month.
Tourism Month aims to promote domestic travel, showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings and highlight the sector’s significant contribution to the South African economy. The tourism sector is recovering following Covid-19 outbreak.
The Premier added that tourists want to visit safe areas with a good environment.
Saul said: “Tourists won’t come if the infrastructure is neglected. What attracts tourists is basic needs like keeping your town clean. We must also fight crime because no tourist will visit the area riddled with crime.”
Famous for its beautiful landscapes, rich Indigenous culture and spectacular wildlife, the Northern Cape is known to have attracted thousands of visitors before the pandemic.
Kimberley has beautiful heritage sites, including Mayibuye Uprising Memorial, in remembrance of the innocent victims who lost their lives. It also has the Macgerogor Museum in the CBD.
Meanwhile, Boitumelo Phirisi, a Tour Guide and owner of Native Tours, intends to revive Kimberley’s vibrancy and economy by exposing the Diamond City’s hidden attractive gems.
Phirisi said: “Galeshewe was once great, but the greatness has diminished, we would like to see Galeshewe on the pedestal of history as a cultural heritage. We take our guests on guided bicycle tours around the township, visiting historical sites”.
He continued: “As Native Tours, we would like to see our community fully active in tourism and owning its localities.
De Lille indicated that during the first quarter of 2024, the tourism sector’s contribution towards the country’s GDP was more than transport, mining and agriculture sectors. She said they wanted to use this year’s tourism month to expose township and rural tourism destinations.
“For tourism to thrive in creating jobs and promoting the country’s economy, the sector should focus more on growing and diversifying the township economy. We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Google to sell hidden tourism destinations.
We aim to use the Square Kilometre Array situated in the Kareeberg and Karoo Hoogland Municipal regions to attract tourism in the Northern Cape, “she said.
Other local tourism organisations say young people should be encouraged to participate in tourism initiatives to help them know Kimberley’s history.
Comments are closed.