MEC reveals plan to revive Pilgrim’s Rest
In a bid to boost the country's struggling tourism industry, the MEC for economic development and tourism in Mpumalanga, Eric Kholwane, announced that the provincial government will revive ailing tourism in Pilgrim's Rest and Waterval Boven.
MBOMBELA – Kholwane revealed this at the glitzy ceremony of the Lilizela Tourism Awards at Casambo Lodge last Friday.
“On Wednesday I’m going to receive a report from the department of public works. As government we need to boost the economy of the country. In Mpumalanga we are doing well economically, especially with mining and tourism. As much as the tourism has declined in the country, here in Mpumalanga we were not hard hit,” said Kholwane.
Other projects that are in the pipeline include the upgrading of Blyde River Canon, the Three Rondavels and other tourist attractions around Graskop.
The MEC said Pilgrim’s Rest has over the years become a thorn in their flesh. “We need to stop asking about business plans as government. It derails the progress of emerging entrepreneurs. In Pilgrim’s Rest we are planning to give people longer contracts to work there and revive that place. We are going to work with everyone, black or white. We are aware about the injustices of the past, but it time to move on as a country,” said Kholwane.
The Lilizela Tourism Awards are an initiative of the National Department of Tourism and spearheaded by South African Tourism (SAT) to honour excellence in accommodation establishments and other tourism-related products and services.
Friday’s winners in various categories will represent the province at national level next month.
Billed to award only the best in the South African tourism industry, the Lilizela Tourism Awards aim to recognise the highest levels of excellence. They are the ultimate reward for entrepreneurial and service excellence that sets global benchmarks.
“We would like to congratulate all the Mpumalanga Provincial finalists and winners. Each year we are encouraged by the quality of products and services that enter the Lilizela Tourism Awards. These awards are our way of recognising our dedicated travel industry for their hard work in setting the bar high and helping to make South Africa such a highly regarded must-visit destination for local and international tourists alike. We would also like to thank all those tourism and hospitality businesses that took the time to enter the Lilizela Tourism Awards, and particularly to our provincial partners for ensuring that a cross-section of South Africa’s diverse experiences are represented,” said minister of tourism, Tokozile Xasa.
The provincial awards are held in September, when South Africa and the tourism industry celebrate Tourism Month.
