The Northern Cape Tourism Authority said this week that it is proud to announce an enormous increase in domestic day trips thanks to locals who have kept the sector alive.
THE NORTHERN Cape Tourism Authority said this week it is proud to announce an enormous increase in domestic day trips thanks to locals who have kept the sector alive.
This was confirmed by the MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Abraham Vosloo, during the provincial launch of Tourism Month, which was held under the theme ‘Rethinking Tourism’ at the Magersfontein Battlefield Museum on Wednesday.
The event also saw the launch of the museum’s overnight accommodation, called Bagpipe Lodge, for those wishing to linger longer.
Bagpipe Lodge was recently completely refurbished by the Tourism unit of the Northern Cape Department of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism.
The Magersfontein Battlefield Museum is a mere 30 minutes drive from Kimberley and one of the signature experiences on the Battlefields Route featuring the towns of Kimberley, Modder River and Hopetown.
Vosloo on Wednesday took the opportunity to encourage tourism providers to continue to diversify their products and to improve and expand on those experiences that can encourage day visitors.
He further called on all local citizens to go out and explore their neighbourhoods, visit the markets, the padstalle, museums, the provincial nature reserves and national parks, as well as the many other cultural and adventure experiences within towns and regions in the Province.
“Just get out there and experience the many diverse and affordable experiences on your doorstep. Alternatively, take a slow road trip and explore one of the seven routes of the Northern Cape and discover the many rural dorpies of the Province and its unique offerings,” urged Vosloo.
The South African Tourism Research Unit figures for 2021/22 indicate that an enormous increase, which is 50% growth, was experienced in day trips as compared to the previous year.
Direct spend recorded was R13 million, which is a 65% increase from the previous year.
The recent figures were achieved through the new marketing strategy under the campaigns “Travel Differently – Travel Local” and “Discover your Neighbourhood … Experience your Province” that targeted national visitors.
Through these campaigns, the Northern Cape Tourism Authority targeted the local travelling public and encouraged travellers to take day trips, weekend trips and short trips.
The intervention measures were explored following the severe challenges experienced in the tourism sector due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
Vosloo explained that the tourism sector had developed and implemented its marketing campaigns due to domestic tourism being the key driver in stimulating growth.
He added that it is predicted by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) that the tourism sector will return to 2019 levels of activity by 2024.
“Our international and domestic numbers are increasing gradually, signalling that the Northern Cape tourism sector is well on its way to recovery,” said Vosloo.
“Domestic Tourism in the Northern Cape is the key driver in the near to medium term to stimulate growth and recovery of the Northern Cape tourism Industry. We have placed great emphasis on growing domestic demand in the Province.
“Following the easing of travel restrictions from our key source markets, we are also seeing a steady growth in our international arrivals.
“According to the South African Tourism Research Unit (SATRU), the international arrivals grew by 64%, at 78,400, and direct spend by R176 million, which is up by 2.12%.”
He expressed immense gratitude to those in the tourism and greater hospitality sector who kept their doors open, as well as to local residents who had supported of the tourism sector in the Province.
“We would like to encourage our tourism providers to continue to diversify your products, improve and expand on those experiences that can encourage day visitors.
Vosloo said this year’s theme, ‘Rethinking Tourism’, is fitting, as the world over the tourism sector is being reimagined following the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This theme is also symbolic because, as a sector, the pandemic required us to step back, relook at the industry as we know it, and ultimately see how we rebuild it.
“‘Rethinking Tourism’ is in line with the Northern Cape’s vision to ignite inclusive economic growth, sustainable job creation and transformation, which are all critical for the recovery of the tourism sector.
“Celebrating Tourism Month, we further would like to generate a greater understanding amongst the general public of the importance of tourism and the enormous contribution that the tourism industry makes to provincial and national economic growth and job creation.”
