GROWTH in the tourism industry is the only sure thing that will raise the profile of North West province.

These were the words of tourism MEC, Desbo Mohono at the opening of the Durban Tourism Indaba held at the Dr Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on Saturday.

She said that the province’s aim was to push into the top four category of most visited regions in the country.

“North West province remains committed to its mandate of growing the tourism industry. We have experienced increase on number of visitors. A Re Yeng Bokone Bophirima also propels us into reaching out 2020 vision. Our objective is to see the province being amongst the top four of most visited provinces in South Africa.

“The North West Tourism Board (NWTB) took advantage of the opportunity created by government through South African Tourism to market Destination North West at this annual event. The Tourism Indaba is an established top travel show. It provides opportunity to the tourism industry. The event also allows us to partake in the South African leisure tourism show,” Mohono said.

She added that the North West province exhibitors comprised of a wide range of product owners. Mohono said exhibitors were ready and well positioned to showcase their products to the Africa’s biggest and best travel trade show.

According to Mohono, the show drew exhibitors from across the continent. She said it offered ravel buyers an unrivaled platform to do business with the cream of the African leisure tourism industry.

“Attention was deliberately given to product owners in villages, townships and small dorpies in line with the vision of the fifth administration in the province. We assisted tour operators to sell a diversity of attractions to discerning tourists.

Tourism provincial head of department, advocate Neo Sephoti shared the same sentiments. She said tour operators met with buyers on one-one session.

“They gained competitive advantage in the sector and met with other sale representatives from more than 1200 exhibiting companies. The aim was to let them do direct business with them. Prime attractions and companies like Sun City through Sun Intentional, Pilanesburg National Park, Madikwe River Lodge used the platform to amplify the positioning of North West as a prime and preferred destination for tourists,” Sephoti said.

Tourism minister, Derek Hanekom said: “Africa is vibrant melting pot for tourism. The diverse cultures, customs and traditions of our people merged with the endless variety of our landscapes, blended with our unique biodiversity, tempered by our historical legacy, and fired by the spirit of freedom and equality.”

-TDN

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