Uncapping Ekurhuleni’s township tourism
Speaking at the two-day of September 13 to 14, Tourism Conference taking place at The Lakes Hotel in Benoni, the director of the Soweto Outdoor Adventures Mr Kgomotso Pooe, encouraged township entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities that exists in their backyard.
Township tourism has great potential to provide the “amazing tourist experience” that foreign visitors want to brag about when they return to their homes.
Speaking at the two-day, Tourism Conference from September 13 to 14 at The Lakes Hotel in Benoni, the director of the Soweto Outdoor Adventures, Mr Kgomotso Pooe, encouraged township entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities that exist in their backyard.
“We, as township people, need to manufacture local products that represent us, we need to show the flair and fire that is always associated with the township.
“Why can’t we start a tourism business in a shack because that represents us? If you are aware of your surroundings you can unlock your tourism sector in the township,” said Mr Pooe.
Mr Pooe gave examples of using a horse-drawn cart to provide a tour of the township, or providing a pedal-powered boat in the township, among others.
Amongst the biggest challenges outlined by the guest speakers is that entrepreneurs do not know the value of township businesses.
In comparison to mainstream tourism, township tourism is still marginal and needs to be taken advantage of as it provides economic opportunities and advancement for local entrepreneurs.
Local entrepreneurs were also encouraged to share their ideas, talk amongst themselves and work together to form a conglomerate to attract investors without the fear of someone else stealing their ideas.
Another important feature discussed was the use of e-tourism to attract the market and ensure that the tourism sector is accessible through using the latest technology.
This involves the use of social media and existing technologies such as video and audio to allow tourists to experience the destinations without physically being there and to explore those places before embarking on their tourism journey.
The City of Ekurhuleni’s tourism officials will develop an action plan reflecting on the deliberations highlighted at the two-day conference.
Key points will be taken to complement the existing Tourism Strategy 2016-2021 which also emphasises the development of the tourism infrastructure.
