The spring is finally beaconing us to pack away all the ‘woollies’ forget about the winter blues and embrace the outdoor to admire what nature has to offer. The mountains in the east, the Vaal River in the north, the golden planes of the Goldfields in the west, the hustle and bustle of city life complimented by the rich history in the centre and the confluence of the Caledon and Orange rivers in the South are every traveller’s hidden gems. September officially introduces travelling and holiday season.
This is the time for each working person, social club member, church groupings, young and old to take out their umbrellas and picnic baskets and explore their area. Go out take a Shot Left and feel rejuvenated. There is something for everyone in every town of the Free State to compel all of us to take a break and discover what others discover on our door steps.
Many Free Staters, especially previously disadvantaged communities still believe that tourism is only for certain sections of the population and should have huge disposable cash and be able to travel far to have a feeling of holiday. Celebration of Tourism Month to host the World Tourism Day on the 27 of September. This gives us an opportunity to contribute towards building a holiday travel culture amongst South Africans and to promote Universal Accessibility in Tourism through ensuring #TourismForAll.
Some of the activities lined up to enhance tourism in the Free State include:
FS Lilizela Awards
Date: 8 September 2016
Venue: Bethlehem
Media launch Flower Festival
Date: 15 September 2016
Venue: Parys
F2 Powerboat
Date: 24 September 2016
Venue: Parys
World Tourism Day Celebration
Date: 27 September 2016
Venue: Parys
National Tourism Career Expo
Date: 29 September 2016
Venue: PACOFS
Cherry Festival
Date: 17-19 November 2016
Venue: Ladybrand
MACUFE
Date: 2-11 October 2016
Venue: Bloemfontein
Global Trade Bridge
Date: 3-5 October 2016
Venue: Bloemfontein
Flower Festival
Date: 11-12 November 2016
Venue: Parys
As national and international travellers will be coming down to the Free State for some of these events Mangaung Metro often runs out of accommodation. To address this point, the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs has initiated a Homestay Programme. All interested homestay entrepreneurs can collect and fill forms for consideration to participate in the Homestay Programme.
Forms can be collected from Monday the 5th until 09 September 2016 at Room 504 and 512, Agriculture Building, 98 Zastron Street, Bloemfontein.
Email:
Mosele Mashiloane
Tel: 051 400 9582
Email: mashiloanem@detea.fs.gov.za
Sello Tlhone
Tel: 051 400 9404
Email: tlhones@detea.fs.gov.za
To enjoy a safe and unique South African experience, make use of an accredited accommodation establishment.
Enquiries:
Festy Nyamate
Cell: 051400 9548
E-mail: nyamatef@detea.fs.gov.za
