Weekend festivities bring cash injection
The COO of the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism, Linda Grimbeek, confirmed an increase in tourist traffic over the weekend. "It was not just a financial injection, but also wonderful for all the exhausted souls."
MBOMBELA – Both tourists and locals were seen out and about in the Lowveld this weekend as Heritage Day, Gaan Bos inniMall and pleasant weather all flowed together. With the influx of tourists came an influx of traffic.
The MEC for finance, economic development and tourism, Vusi Mkhatshwa, was overjoyed as it ensured a sizable monetary injection for the province.
“Since the beginning of September, provincial parks were visited by 53 515 people which has generated almost
R777 000 for the province. This excludes visitors to the Kruger National Park (KNP) and other private operations.”
According to the KNP’s spokesperson, Isaac Phaahla, the park was 95.3% full and camping 93.3%. Day visitors over the weekend came to 23 502 and overnight to 4 292.
Festivalgoers at Gaan Bos inniMall were also plentiful. According to Philna Scholtz, the Innibos programme manager, most of the performances were chockfull in adherence to Covid-19 regulations. “It was lovely to have a festival again, even if it was on a smaller scale.”
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According to the marketing manager of i’langa Mall, Henri Gouws, “The festival ensured an increased foot count and aided the restaurant and entertainment component of the building to achieve turnovers far exceeding even 2019 pre-Covid figures.”
The MEC for community safety security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, chastised motorists for not their vehicles not having number plates, or having expired licence discs.
“Non-displayment of licence disks and number plates is not only a violation of the law, but it also makes motorists vulnerable to criminals who at times impersonate the police in order to rob unsuspecting motorists of their valuables.”
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The COO of the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism, Linda Grimbeek, confirmed an increase in tourist traffic over the weekend. “It was not just a financial injection, but also wonderful for all the exhausted souls.”
Mkhatshwa encouraged citizens of Mpumalanga to get vaccinated.”When the majority of us are vaccinated, we can quickly fully reopen our tourism sector.”
