Lim Tourism Holiday Fair opens doors

Savannah Mall played host to the Limpopo Tourism Holiday Fair, organised by the Polokwane Tourism Association (PTA) in partnership with the Limpopo Provincial Tourism Association (LPTA), Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) and Polokwane Municipality, from last Thursday to Saturday.
Tourism products from all over the province, including lodges, hotels, spas and artists displayed their wares throughout the mall. Shoppers enjoyed the exhibitions and many made use of the chance to make last minute reservations for the December holidays.
The aim of the fair, according to Chairperson of the PTA and LPTA Gerhard Franken, was to create a platform for the tourism industry to create awareness of their products, ad­dress shared problems, start new partnerships and learn from the experience.
Local 10-year-old poet, Lebogang Patience Letsoalo, opened the fair with one of her own poems before the dancers of Vida Dançe Dance Studio entertained guests with their lithe moves.
Acting CEO for LTA, Bibi Kotsedi was the programme director and introduced LTA Chairperson, Andrew Dipela, who gave the keynote speech. Dipela highlighted the adventure, sporting, cultural, wildlife and cultural tourism opportunities in Limpopo. He further encouraged product owners to ensure top class service and “a warm welcome above all” to create a sustainable and growing tourism industry in Limpopo.
Dipela thanked every person who made the fair a reality, with a special thanks to Savannah Mall.
Franken says 56 exhibitors had stalls at the fair. “We held a business seminar, tourism seminar, culinary show and art fair over the course of three days. The feedback has been of overall gratitude and expectations exceeded. We have booked next year’s fair for 15 to 17 November.”

Story and photos: MARKI FRANKEN
>>marki.observer@gmail.com