In South Africa, the entire month of September is declared a tourism month to shine a spotlight on domestic tourism from a development and marketing perspective.
The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) officially launched a tourism month aimed at promoting Eastern Cape tourism offerings under the theme “Tourism invests in a Green Future” at Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve on the 01st of September 2023. The event also sought to acknowledge the 150 years remembrance of Chief Maqoma, whose commitment towards the defence of African land defined independence in the Eastern Cape.
This month also promotes an opportunity to keep local travel representatives fully informed of the tourism offerings across the destination so that they can inform visitors of things to do in their respective regions and beyond. Furthermore, it provides a platform for ECPTA to showcase what the province has to offer using the entities digital platforms focussing on lesser-known experiences.
According to Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism MEC Mlungisi Mvoko, this year’s Tourism Month theme resounds with profound relevance: “Tourism Invests in a Green Future.”
“As we stand in awe of the natural wonders that grace our surroundings, we recognise the pivotal role that sustainable tourism plays in shaping the landscape of our region, both in terms of its physical beauty and its cultural legacy, said Mvoko.
He continued to say that the journey towards sustainable tourism is not just a mere undertaking – it’s a philosophy that underscores our unwavering dedication to preserving the treasures we’ve inherited and ensuring their availability for generations yet to come.
“Our region stands as a beacon of this philosophy, exemplifying what it truly means to invest in a greener and more ecologically conscious future, and this is evident in the work that we do through our implementing agency, ECPTA,” said Mvoko.
The Eastern Cape government, as part of its celebration of culture and heritage, undertook to commemorate the life and heroic struggles of Chief Jongumsobomvu Maqoma.
“The celebration of this historical figure is important to us in the tourism sector as well, hence we are launching this month here, at a place where heritage and tourism coincide. The rationale behind this is centred on diversifying our tourism product offerings and understanding that as the Eastern Cape, heritage and culture is our organic growth point that sets us apart and attracts more tourists looking to explore and experience our varied offerings,” said Mvoko.
The Tourism Month launch highlighted a wide range of activities and attractions that aim to position the Eastern Cape as the first preferred choice of tourist destination.
The ECPTA Chief Executive Officer Vuyani Dayimani encouraged travellers to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Eastern Cape, where they will discover a wide range of tourist offerings for both young and old people.
“We encourage travellers to explore the province as their adventures tend to both secure jobs and create employment opportunities for those working within the tourism and hospitality sector,” said Dayimani.
Chief Siseko Maqoma, expressing his gratitude said their family was grateful to the government for recognising and commemorating Maqoma’s life and history.
“The war he fought for our culture and traditions made us who we are today, and we want to continue promoting the Xhosa culture, preserving the ancestral heritage of our heritage warriors, and rewrite the history of Maqoma.
