Taung-Tourism authorities in the province have embarked on an offensive campaign to have less travelled areas in the province get exposure and help lure tourists in the process.

A joint venture between the economic development and tourism, the sport, arts and culture departments and the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) resulted in a media tour that took local journalists to hidden gems in the Taung area.

The move came on the back of the cultural calabash re-launch, the biggest entertainment festival on the Taung calendar. The calabash brings issues of culture and music to the fore but authorities want revellers to experience more than that.

There is an effort to make Taung the cultural city of North West, modelled on the Belgian capital, Brussels. One of the areas visited is the Taung Dam, about 15 minutes drive from the city. The area close to the dam wall offers water activities like canoeing and journalists had fun experiencing some of the activities.

Economic development department spokesperson Dumisa Seshabela said: “We decided to take journalists on this tour to make sure they are exposed to some of the places in and around Taung so that those who come for the calabash can take some time to visit and see the beauty this area offers.”

Seshabela added that the calabash had potential to substantially grow the Taung economy and every effort was being made to make sure local businesses were ready for multitudes that would come for the calabash.

“We decided to have the heritage and tourism celebrations synchronised and we worked with the sport, arts and culture department and the NWPTB so that we maximise the attention. This year’s theme is ‘Water is fun’ and we want people to experience activities on our water bodies like this Taung Dam.”

The North West is hosting this year’s World Tourism Day activities from September 25 to 27 and efforts to build interest towards the event are gaining momentum.

NWPTB spokesperson Mamaki Phoolo said: “We launched the domestic tourism campaign under the theme ‘nothing’s more fun than a Sho’t Left’ and we want people to experience the leisure of Taung in all its forms. We came here to ensure that less travelled areas of our province are exposed.”

Reports indicated that all accommodation facilities in Taung were almost fully booked for the three-day cultural calabash all those going have been encouraged to visit other areas of interest as well. Tour guide, Kagiso Legobe of Kay 2Ze Gee Tours would be on standby to help all those wishing to visit areas like the Taung Dam, the Taung Skull site and other entertainment spots in the area.

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