Limpopo promotes tourism
Dirk Nel
11 November 2004
The Limpopo Tourism and Parks has launched a roadshow to involve local communities and other stakeholders in its long-term eco-tourism development strategy.
The first workshop, which forms part of an ongoing information programme, was conducted on Wednesday at the Nwanedi Resort, in the far north region of the province.
"The main objective of the programme is to create short- and long-term job opportunities, empower disadvantaged communities, develop black business potential as well as sound, sustainable tourism growth alongside viable socio-economic development," Limpopo Parks General Manager Fixon Hlungwani said.
He said it was vital to generate a regular income stream that will be used for conservation purposes.
The programme, which will be implemented in partnership with communities around the provincial parks, will also promote the protection of resource bases such as wildlife, vegetation and various other environmental
assets.
Hlungwani said a key initiative will be the commercialisation of 15 of the province's 53 parks and other protected areas during the next few months, in order to make them more accessible and attractive to local and foreign tourists.
The programme will be implemented under the provisions of the National Treasury Regulations guidlines that regulate public-private partnerships, he said.
The roadshow moves on to Magoebaskloof on Thursday, and proceed to Hazyview, Klein Kariba (Bela-Bela), D'Nyala Nature Reserve (Waterberg), and Atherstone Nature Reserve, near the Kruger National Park.
The roadshow ends on 18 November.
Source: BuaNews
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