KEETMANSHOOP: The Kharas Region Governor, Aletha Frederick, unveiled a comprehensive tourism booklet for both the ||Kharas Region and the Northern Cape Province of South Africa on Tuesday night. The launch event was a key highlight of a business seminar held as part of the ongoing 67th Keetmanshoop Agricultural, Industrial, and Tourism Expo.
According to NAMPA, the tourism booklet is a crucial asset for both regions, bearing the theme ‘Your travel guide to combine the best of both.’ She called upon the local populace to embrace the travel guide, urging them to familiarize themselves with its contents and actively participate in marketing their region. “The booklet belongs to us all. It is crucial for everyone, from the governor to the administrators, and especially for the small business owners, to study it thoroughly. By understanding the opportunities it presents and assessing the value chain, local businesses can determine how to integrate and benefit from it,” Frederick emphasized.
The Twinning Agreement, signed in September 1999, identified the exceptional tourism potential of the ||Kharas Region and Northern Cape Province. This partnership aims to promote joint tourism initiatives, improving the industry while enhancing local community livelihoods. The agreement also addresses areas of mutual interest such as economic development, safety, security, education, and cultural tolerance.
“The unique natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife of our regions position them as attractive tourist destinations. By implementing collaborative marketing strategies and investing in infrastructural development, we can unlock the full tourism potential of both regions, creating sustainable economic opportunities for our residents,” Frederick stated.
The tourism booklet provides a detailed guide showcasing the hospitality industry, cultural heritage, landscapes, and tourism potential of both regions. It also includes developed tourism routes to aid tourists in exploring the various attractions across the ||Kharas Region and Northern Cape Province.
“This guide does not solely focus on the regions’ sights and sounds; it is also about the people residing there. Tourists will have the opportunity to interact with locals, learning about their customs, traditions, and experiencing their warm hospitality firsthand,” Frederick added.
Benedictus Diergaardt, the acting chief regional officer of the ||Kharas Regional Council, highlighted the seminar’s role as a platform for entrepreneurs, business owners, and aspiring professionals to network, exchange ideas, and cultivate collaborative relationships.