MEC for Tourism in the North West Desbo Mohono has urged Tourism product owners to work closely with government in turning around the tourism industry in the province and most importantly within the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district.
The move according to MEC Mohono will seriously boost the economy of the province and create more jobs within the industry. The appeal came during her address at the District Tourism Lekgotla held in Taung on Tuesday.
According to MEC Mohono the main objective of the Lekgotla is to effectively and efficiently foster integrated tourism planning and development across all spheres of Government, hence the Department strategy is that we have to establish while building good relations with our fellow private sector counter parts.
We have realised that as government alone the task might be overwhelming to achieve. Contrary to that, we believe it is not a daunting task but it requires us to work together in making sure that Tourism becomes a golden goose within the province.
We are also making it a point to ensure and ensue that we foster the integrated tourism around the province and inclusive in our strategy will be planning, growth, development and transformation,” said MEC Mohono
One of the Tourism product owners in Taung, Phale Gape welcomed the move by the Department in coming up with forums like the Lekgotla. The 58 year old father of two is the owner of Ratlou Guest House which he said was established in 2009.
He said that the session was an eye opener and really gave them hope and believes that their businesses will grow and further boost the local economy.
“I believe that working with the Department and other sectors in the tourism industry will greatly assist us. We need to establish tourism associations in the district, so that we synergize our services. We are also grateful about the opening of the local hotel school, which we believe will further boost the growth of hospitality within district thus enhancing the economy,” said Gape.
Tourism product owners believe that annual events such as the Taung cultural calabash, DJ Nation Music Festival, Hunting and Horse Ridding event in Bray, are some of the events that will continue to boost tourism in their area. They also called on government to assist the marketing of the heritage sites such as the Taung skull, secret places and other monumental building within the district.
The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Tourism Lekgotla was the second of the four district Makgotla to be held in the province before the provincial one.
For enquiries:
Dineo Lolokwane
Spokesperson
Cell: 072 542 8444
Tel: 018 388 2081
Email: dlolokwane@nwpg.gov.za
