Stakeholders look at improving tourism

A brainstorming session between role players in the tourism sector revealed many locals’ fears, problems and even solutions regarding the pressing issues they faced in the area. Lisa Sheard of Kruger Lowveld Tourism (KLT) presented a workshop at Hippo Hollow last Thursday as part of the organisation’s Tourism Month activity line-up and facilitated the discussions.

Sheard first addressed how tourism (and in turn the town’s economy) could be improved. The Hazyview Chamber of Business and Tourism (HCBT) was congratulated on all its efforts like appointing a tourist liaison officer and facilitating the process for tourism-safety ambassadors to improve safety in town.

Sheard mentioned that the roadshow would help KLT devise a marketing strategy for Mpumalanga tourism over the next few years and that all role players’ input were valued.

The organisation will aim to raise the area’s profile with increased public relations and media exposure and coverage.

Sheard mentioned that they would endeavour to find four feel-good stories in the area to help create a positive image.

The poor condition of major tourism attractions was also briefly discussed. The HCBT recently teamed up with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and took all the tourism-safety monitors along the escarpment to Bourke’s Luck to educate them on customer care and impart more knowledge about this tourist attraction.

The attendees all agreed that Mpumalanga, which used to be one of the largest tourism destinations in the country, has lost its glamour. The poor condition of attractions such as the Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck and God’s Window is detrimental to the industry and these areas need a major overhaul or upgrade.

KLT said it would assist the government in this endeavour.

The need for world-class information offices was also highlighted, with Sheard mentioning that Bourke’s Luck and Skukuza have been identified as strategic tourism locations.

KLT would like to set up visitor-information centres where tourists could obtain valuable, free information and have their queries such as directions to destinations properly answered.

Locals were also urged to assist tourists with queries or to help them if it seemed like they were experiencing problems.

KLT have also teamed up with TRAC to help combat roadside corruption, an initiative launched by the HCBT about a year ago.

Attendees agreed that traffic officers needed to become part of the community and be more involved in local projects and initiatives.

It was suggested that officers be invited to a proposed customer-service course for employees in the industry to also educate them on how to deal with tourists, especially foreigners who are not knowledgeable about the country’s laws. Elvis Ngomane, the tourist liaison officer, also suggested that the police should be included to build a better relationship between them and the tourism sector.

The meeting concluded with role players brainstorming other ways to combat traffic officials’ corrupt behaviour.

To get involved with KLT or the HCBT and help improve the town, visit www.krugerlowveld.com.