Join the Greater Midrand Tourism Association
IVORY PARK – "As we plan to develop a model for sustainable community-based tourism, collaboration is key," says Develd Monyai.
Midrand Tourism Cluster has called on all business owners and members of the community to get involved in the formation of the Greater Midrand Tourism Association.
The cluster is a local tourism forum which was formed in 2019 with the purpose of spearheading the processes which would lead to the formation of the Greater Midrand Tourism Association. The association would be affiliated to the Regional Tourism Organisation, serving as a mediatory between members, the community and government.
Convener for Midrand Tourism Cluster, Develd Monyai said Midrand was one of the fastest growing cities in the Southern Africa region, housing many information and communication technology companies, the Pan-African Parliament and the African Union among others.
“The place has gems, places of attraction and places with a rich history which is undocumented. Therefore, we call upon people who are operating their tourism businesses in the township and in the urban areas to unite with us as we are going to form clusters in all areas of Midrand assisting in the formation of the association,” he explained.
“As we plan to develop a model for sustainable community-based tourism, collaboration is key. Tour operators, bed and breakfasts, lodges, restaurants, shisanyamas, wine makers, brewers, lifestyle venues, storytellers, writers and people in the arts and crafts should unite,” he added.
Monyai said the challenges facing tourism at the moment were the pandemic as it has had a profound impact on tourism, and there was a lack of instituted capacity at municipal level to promote township-wide tourism. In addition, there was insufficient expertise at product level, poor infrastructure as well as many companies that were not affiliated to the local tourism industry.
He concluded that they wanted to create a Midrand which was marketable as a tourism destination through tourist packages, geographical landmarks and equestrian sports among others.
Details: Interested members can contact Develd Monyai on 082 573 6790.
