Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Fish Mahlalela, took an active role in engaging the community of Kannaland Local Municipality, Western Cape Province, to advance rural and community-centric tourism.
On September 14, 2023, Mahlalela hosted an Imbizo at the NG Kerk in Calitzdorp. The event was themed “Tourism invests in a green future” and aimed to bring together sector stakeholders and community members to discuss the importance of citizen participation in government-led initiatives for sustainable local tourism economies.
The event attracted various stakeholders, including members of the media, who were invited to confirm their attendance to the gathering.
Kannaland is known for its diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal location to implement sustainable tourism initiatives. Mahlalela aims to empower local residents, businesses, and organizations to take ownership of their tourism industry, ultimately stimulating economic growth while preserving the region’s natural resources and cultural identity.
During the Imbizo, participants engaged in a lively dialogue on the importance of active citizen participation in advancing tourism and government-led programs and initiatives’ role. The discussion emphasized the necessity of sustainable tourism efforts to protect the environment and preserve the region’s unique charm for future generations.
The event served as a platform for sharing best practices and success stories from other regions where tourism has been a driving force for socio-economic development. These examples highlighted the potential of innovative approaches to promote local tourism while ensuring that the benefits are shared equally among the community members.
Among the topics discussed, eco-tourism, agritourism, and cultural tourism were seen as avenues for growth in Kannaland. Eco-tourism, focusing on responsible travel to natural areas, could help raise awareness of conserving the environment. Agritourism, involving visitors in agricultural activities such as picking fruit or milking cows, could provide a unique experience for tourists and supplementary income for local farmers. Lastly, cultural tourism could capitalize on the region’s heritage and traditions, attracting visitors to explore the area’s history and customs.
The engagement in Kannaland demonstrated how Deputy Minister Fish Mahlalela’s approach of fostering dialogue between government and community members can help advance tourism in the region. By emphasizing the importance of collaboration and sharing knowledge, Mahlalela managed to create a sense of shared responsibility among those present, empowering them to make informed decisions about their tourism industry.
The Imbizo served as an essential step in forging strong relationships between the community and government, paving the way for future collaborations that will benefit the region’s tourism industry. As projects and initiatives move forward, it is crucial to keep the lines of communication open and maintain the spirit of cooperation established during this event.
In conclusion, the Kannaland community’s engagement indicates the potential for growth and prosperity in the region’s tourism industry. With the support of Deputy Minister Fish Mahlalela and the commitment of local stakeholders, the future of sustainable tourism in Kannaland looks bright.
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