September month has been set aside as a Tourism Month by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The primary focus is to raise awareness about the socio-economic importance of the tourism industry.
Mr. Thulani Nzima, the CEO of South African Tourism, has challenged provinces to brag with what they have for tourism and ‘compete’ among themselves in order to boost domestic tourism. “There is nothing more exciting than Shot’ Left”, says Mr. Nzima. In line with this, the Free State will celebrate the Free State Tourism Day on the 28th September 2013 at the Vaal De Grace Golf Course in Parys.
The primary objective with this event is to showcase the tourism capability of the Free State and to bring together all tourism stakeholders in the Free State as well as relevant role-players who could add value to tourism development in the Free State.
During his budget speech the MEC Zwane said “the two tourism innovation programmes, the Kasie and Stokvel tourism will gain momentum this year. Through Kasie tourism we will identify popular hangout places in our different townships for operators to include in their tour packages. Stokvel tourism will target saving groups like social clubs, burial societies, schools and churches to visit tourism attractions in the province and incentives will be provided for this purpose”.
Tourism product owners and operators will get the opportunity to exhibit their products and services to the multitude of people who will descend at the Golf Course. This year’s tourism month theme is “Water and Tourism protecting our common future”.
About 1000 people will be expected to attend the festivities which will include the following; business breakfast with stakeholders, exhibition, participation of local communities, bikers and vintage cars parade, hot air balloon, fly over/mini Air Show, golf tournament, entertainment, launch of the big five routes and the launch of stokvel tourism.
The activities will start at 08h30 am. Line up of entertainers include, Bomme ba Mokgibo, Alah Yen of the Woz’e Vrystata fame, Arthur and Chomee.
