The Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT) recently led a media tour along the Panorama Route to highlight the neglect of tourism sites and invite the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) to collaborate on their maintenance.

ALSO READ: Panorama Route mismanagement threatens tourism economy

The KLCBT and MTPA initially committed to releasing their action plans together for the upkeep of the sites within seven days of the tour. However, the KLCBT has since stated in their newsletter that a separate statement will be issued instead.

“We undertook to publish a combined assessment outlining current actions, immediate interventions, future plans, and recommendations within ten working days of the media tour of the Blyde River Canyon Reserve sites,” said Linda Grimbeek the CEO of KLCBT.

“However, we are unable to do so at this time, as more consultation is required regarding the commitment to interventions.”

ALSO READ: Business leaders unite for economic growth at KLCBT conference

The MTPA has also requested an engagement to clarify issues around the proposed privatisation of certain sites and the KLCBT’s suggestion of introducing a Panorama Pass. Under this proposal, tourists would pay an entrance fee at the first gate and gain free access to all other sites along the route.

“We have requested a date for a meeting, and we look forward to entering into constructive discussions on this matter,” Grimbeek added.

The iconic Panorama Route has suffered years of neglect by local government, and the KLCBT holds the MTPA accountable for its deterioration. Oupa Pilane, special attaché to the KLCBT, initially invited the MTPA to visit the neglected sites in person, but the agency declined and instead requested a meeting at their offices.

An update on the developing plans will be shared in print.