Ngwathe Tourism Expo to showcase local opportunities

Tourism must be everyone's business – from accommodation providers, restaurants and tour operators to artists, artisans, taxi operators, informal traders, photographers, event organisers, farmers, guides and young entrepreneurs.

3 hours ago

Liezl Scheepers 3 minutes read

Parys' historic 1919 suspension bridge over the Vaal River - one of the town's major tourist attractions. Photo: LIezl Scheepers

Tourism, heritage and local economic development will take centre stage at the Ngwathe Tourism Expo, which will be held at the Parys Airfield on Friday, September 4. The expo will aim to change how residents and visitors view Ngwathe – not merely as a place to pass through, but as a destination worth visiting, experiencing and supporting.

Hosted by the Edgar Legoale Foundation, the Expo will also be the official launch for Tourism Month activities in Ngwathe, planned for September.

Tourism, business and opportunity

Various tourism exhibitions and destinations showcased at the expo will highlight attractions and opportunities in Ngwathe and the surrounding region, demonstrating that tourism extends beyond accommodation and attractions, and instead connects heritage, business, culture, entrepreneurship, hospitality, sport, entertainment and community development.

Business networking and stakeholder engagements will provide opportunities for tourism operators, entrepreneurs, businesses, government institutions and other organisations to connect and explore possible partnerships.

A key feature will be the Tourism Panel Discussion, focusing on the future of tourism, local economic development, investment, destination marketing, entrepreneurship and opportunities within Ngwathe.

The event will also showcase the region’s creative and cultural identity through arts and cultural performances, food and lifestyle experiences, local SMMEs, a craft market and live entertainment.

Building the Ngwathe Experience

The Tourism Expo builds on the foundation’s existing Ngwathe Experience programme, which seeks to create sustainable platforms for local businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives and communities.The Ngwathe Easter Experience previously demonstrated the potential of this approach by combining sport, entertainment, business and community participation. The programme included an SMME expo, sporting activities and entertainment, providing opportunities for local businesses and young people to participate.

The Tourism Expo will now place tourism and destination development at the centre of the Ngwathe Experience.The foundation says the objective is not simply to host successful events, but to establish an ongoing programme through which Ngwathe can promote its attractions, tell its story, support local businesses, attract visitors and create economic opportunities.

Making tourism everyone’s business

“When visitors come to Ngwathe, the economic benefit should reach as many local hands as possible,” the foundation said The Ngwathe Experience will highlight tourism-related opportunities and encourage residents to explore their own surroundings, support local establishments and recognise the economic value of tourism.

“Tourism must be everyone’s business – from accommodation providers, restaurants and tour operators to artists, artisans, taxi operators, informal traders, photographers, event organisers, farmers, guides and young entrepreneurs.

Stakeholder support

The Expo is being developed in collaboration with a range of stakeholders involved in tourism, economic development, education and business.Participating stakeholders include the Parys Business Chamber, Parys INFO, Ngwathe Local Municipality, Parys Vlieg Klub/Parys Flying Club, Savannah Lodge, Sedibeng Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd, S.U. & A, PCC, Department of Education, Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA), Parys 150 and PI & T.

TheEdgar Legoale foundation emphasised that sustainable tourism development requires cooperation between government, businesses, tourism establishments, community organisations, educational institutions, civil society, the media and private-sector partners.

MEC Makume to attend

Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Ketso Makume will attend the expo to strengthen discussions around tourism, economic development and opportunities within Ngwathe and the broader Free State.

Call for exhibitors and sponsors

Tourism establishments, accommodation providers, restaurants, SMMEs, destination operators, entrepreneurs, artisans, creatives and businesses offering tourism-related products and services are invited to register as exhibitors. Exhibitors will have an opportunity to showcase their products and services, engage with visitors, network with industry stakeholders and establish relationships that could support future growth.

Businesses, corporates and potential sponsors are encouraged to invest in the Ngwathe Experience.

Contact the organisers

Penny Tshabalala – 065 894 3842

For exhibitor applications cntact Irene Malemela on 071 382 8057

The foundation believes tourism can contribute to sustainable development when heritage is protected, local businesses are supported, young people are given opportunities and communities participate meaningfully. Come discover. Come connect. Come support local. Come experience Ngwathe.