Lim tourism products benefit from indaba

THE 2014 instalment of the Tourism Indaba encouraged growth by opening its doors to the African continent for the first time.

The indaba was held in Durban from May 10 to 12.

As biggest travel and trade show in Africa and one of the top three must-attend events of its kind, the indaba continues to attract high volumes of people from various sectors in the tourism sector, including buyers, tour operators, exhibitors, tourism authorities, government departments and municipalities.

Limpopo’s delegation was led by the chairperson of the Limpopo Tourism Board, Mashilo Matsetela.

The head of the department of economic development, environment and tourism (Ledet), Solly Kgopong, and the acting CEO of the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA), Seipati Tlaka, joined Matsetela.

Limpopo exhibitors comprised of eight SMME’s and two partners, Amarula Lapa and Transfrontier Destinations.

Bruce Nobela of Nhlamulo Destinations, who represented the Polokwane Tourism Association, expressed his satisfaction with several engagements he had with his counterparts beyond South African borders.

“I am confident about the business prospects for Nhlamulo Destinations and want to see it branch out to Maputo. With the positive engagements I had with my counterparts in Mozambique, the sky is the limit.”

Ziska Haak of Pele Pele Travel and Marketing, which promotes the Limpopo golf and safari route, echoed Nobela’s sentiments about the positive meetings their organisation experienced.

“I was excited to see several municipalities at the indaba because tourism development takes place on municipal level.

“Our tourism strategy emphasises partnerships with municipalities to support and facilitate tourism development in their jurisdictions. For the first time municipalities have also housed some exhibitors at their stands and we are optimistic that this partnership will be of benefit to all tourism role players.

“I am confident that all our exhibitors will reap benefits out of the 2014 Tourism Indaba.”

The Limpopo stand was once again the centre of attraction as most people wanted to see the golden rhino, which depicts the wealth of the ancient city of Mapungubwe in South Africa.

The stand resonated with special interest features such as avian tourism since Limpopo attracts more bird species than any province in the country, with Nylsvley Nature Reserve being the most prolific flood plain in the country.