The province needs to change its tourism image as platinum and chrome as natural resources have not yielded economic benefits for a “knowledge economy” or for the cultural heritage to be preserved.

This was the view of Tlhako Ya Pele Cultural and Heritage Institute director and senior researcher, Otsile Ntsoane, in an interview with The New Age following the Tourism Indaba which ended in Durban last week.

“We need to ask ourselves about the future of tourism in the coming 20 years based on community tourism beyond bed and breakfast establishments.

“Culture will play a significant role in shaping worker behaviour, business and ethics of political character. As a province we should consolidate the cultural heritage sector as an industry, hence the North West Tourism motto of Taking Pride in our Heritage should be taken seriously,” Ntsoane said.

He said the provincial government needed to communicate the criteria to roll out “effectively” the National Planning Commission’s objectives and its relevance to the economy.

“The important objective is to have a strong team at top political leadership. This will consolidate economic plans beyond political alliances and skills development for both young and old within government and the private sector to bring a new culture of entrepreneurship, social trust and responsive citizenship,” Ntsoane said.

North West Parks and Tourism Board marketing manager, Mpho Motshegoa, said: “We need to get a better sense of how to incorporate the aspect of heritage tourism. There must be a deliberate focus to promote heritage.

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