Officials launched Tourism Month at Cargo River Lodge outside Colesberg on Monday (31/8), where the three provinces meet. Tourism Month officially begins on Spring Day, with the collaboration expected to strengthen joint tourism offerings and help visitors discover attractions across all three regions.

Free State MEC for economic, small business development, tourism and environmental affairs Ketso Makume said tourism should be central to South Africa’s economic strategy, particularly because of its potential to support inclusive growth, township and rural development, youth opportunities, and investment.

“If South Africa is serious about inclusive economic growth, job creation, township and rural development, youth empowerment, and attractive investment, then tourism must be placed at the centre of our economic strategy, particularly in these three provinces.”

Makume said provincial boundaries mattered little to travellers looking for memorable experiences. Instead of competing unnecessarily, the provinces could work together to offer visitors a wider selection of landscapes, attractions, cultures and activities during a single journey.

Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority acting CEO Obakeng Seseane said the Colesberg launch was intended to show visitors that the three provinces could be experienced as one destination with a range of tourism opportunities.

The Free State alone offers five tourism routes. These include the Springbok Route around Xhariep Dam, the Cheetah Route in Mangaung, the Flamingo Route with agricultural tourism around Bothaville, the Lion Route near the Vaal River, and the Eagle Route in the eastern Free State.

Northern Cape MEC for economic development and tourism Venus Blennies-Magage said bringing the provinces together was more than symbolic. It showed a commitment to developing joint tourism products, cross-selling destinations and encouraging tourists entering one province to continue exploring the other two.

“This year we celebrate Tourism Month under the theme Growing South Africa’s Tourism Sector in the Digital Era. The theme is appropriate because tourism is undergoing profound change. The way people discover destinations, make decisions and ultimately travel is increasingly influenced by technology.”

She said digital tools could help destinations reach new visitors while supporting businesses and creating economic opportunities. The provinces will use Tourism Month to showcase attractions and strengthen tourism’s contribution to inclusive economic growth.

Eastern Cape MEC for economic development, environmental affairs and tourism Nonkqubela Ntomboxolo said tourists did not plan their memories around provincial border signs, but followed landscapes, food, culture, wildlife, heritage, and adventure.

A traveller could, for example, have lunch in Bloemfontein, continue through the Northern Cape and end the day with dinner in the Eastern Cape. 

The three provinces now hope closer cooperation will turn such journeys into longer stays, greater visitor spending and more opportunities for local tourism businesses.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi, Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa cvs

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