Business chamber puts tourism on the map

Lowveld towns provide the products, activities and events, and the KLCBT guides, mentors and markets them and their offerings.

“Without development and activities in the towns across the Lowveld, we would have nothing to offer visitors, or there would be no local economic development,” said Grimbeek.

“It is really like a box of chocolates. Each town or area adds their special flavour into the box which is Kruger Lowveld, and we protect it, market it and put it on the shelf. It is all a wonderful big package at the end of the day, which will breathe life into all our towns and of course the region.”

Large maps of the Kruger Lowveld will be placed in each of the towns at strategic points, said Grimbeek.

“You will see them already up in White River, Sabie and Graskop. The rest of the towns will follow suit.”

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The next step is to compile a “points of interest” map for each town and immediate area. This will be available to visitors when they come to a certain town.

“Pilgrim’s Rest was the first one done, and Barberton’s maps have gone to print this week. Nkomazi’s maps are in the design phase. The rest of the towns will follow during the year. Both these map projects are made possible with the kind assistance of Ehlanzeni District Municipality (EDM).”

The next step is to compile a database of every business in the town and to put them on a mailing list to receive newsletters and advertisements of town events. Barberton has taken the lead here, again with the help of EDM.

Some highlights to look forward to according to Grimbeek:

• Pilgrim’s Rest and Sabie has ongoing clean-up projects and will organise unique events for the towns.
• Graskop will do the same.
• Hazyview is well under way with a great social media campaign and boasts a brandnew website.
• White River will continue with the project to train petrol attendants as information providers (this was halted because of Covid).
• Mbombela will organise a series of picnics around the area, as well as a fun dog show. The Hospitality Trade Show will also return in November.
• Nkomazi is busy compiling its maps with interesting things and will focus on product development that includes cultural experiences.
• Barberton has created a Barberton Forum, which includes all formal business and community organisations. The focus is to fix the town. This project is made possible by Barberton Mines and Sappi. Meanwhile, Barberton is organising its first golf day after Covid.
• Bushbuckridge will focus on immersing visitors in a broad suite of cultural experiences. The idea is to provide a “menu” of activities that a visitor can enjoy for two hours, but all authentic and natural. For example, playing soccer with kids at a school, learning to cook an African dish, having tea with a family, learning to dance, doing beadwork, and so on.

LTOs seemed truly grateful for this investment by the KLCBT.

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“As Bushbuckridge Local Tourism we thank Linda for her invaluable mentoring. We are so grateful for everything she has brought to light in the organisation.”

The Nkomazi region feels these engagements with the KLCBT “is assisting in putting us on the map, literally. Our free Kruger-Nkomazi maps will be distributed to visitors to the region very soon!”

The Graskop Chamber of Business and Tourism said, “Linda came to us, listened to the issues we have, and came up with simple yet practical solutions on how we can go about it.”

Grimbeek said they are very excited and inspired by the energy that comes out of the towns. “We cannot wait to share the detailed plans as we finalise them.”