Tourism MEC: Networking key to Limpopo growth
Limpopo Tourism MEC calls for widespread networking to boost tourism, citing economic growth and job creation benefits.
LIMPOPO – The MEC for Tourism, Tshitereke Matibe, highlighted the importance of widespread networking in attracting tourism business to Limpopo during a networking session hosted by the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) at Kone village, Ha-Ramahantsha last Tuesday.
“Widespread networking is essential to build contacts and bring more tourism business to the province,” he said.
He said Limpopo’s exhibition stand had been extremely popular due to its diverse tourism offerings, adding that many local communities heavily rely on tourism as their primary economic activity. “Without tourism, these communities have no other income sources to sustain them.”
Matibe elaborated on the significance of rural tourism in South Africa, identifying three key categories, namely agritourism, ecotourism and culture and heritage tourism, and said Limpopo is rich in heritage icons found nowhere else in the world.
“Tourism is one of the most important sources of income for our province. It drives sustainable economic growth, creates jobs, and reduces poverty.”
He cautioned local communities that their behaviour toward tourists would shape the future of tourism.
“Please do not mug tourists or protect perpetrators. The way we treat visitors will determine whether tourism grows or declines. We need to embrace and celebrate our African identity,” urged Matibe.
Board chairperson of the Limpopo Tourism Agency, Andrew Dipela, echoed the importance of collaboration with industry stakeholders.
“The campaign will not succeed if we work in isolation. We need to join hands with the tourism industry to promote our beautiful province, which has so much to offer,” he said.
Dipela praised Ledet and LTA for their efforts to preserve African culture and traditions.
“We must be proud of who we are instead of imitating other cultures. A strong nation is built on appreciating our history, traditions, and morality,” he remarked.
Dipela furthermore said it is important to preserve indigenous languages for the benefit of future generations.
