By Kaizer Nengovhela and Bernard Chiguvare
The MEC for the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Mr Rodgers Monama, launched the Provincial Easter Campaign at Kone Village Boutique Lodge in Ha-Ramantsha on 27 March.
Monama said that the Easter tourism season formed part of Limpopo's summer campaign activities, which allowed the province to showcase its unique tourism attractions and products. "[The] Easter season is always an opportune time to welcome multitudes who are coming home to Limpopo and thus making our province the busiest destination. It is indeed an exciting moment to unveil our plans and packages to our esteemed domestic market. Today we are gathered in this magnificent rural product to showcase the uniqueness of our province."
He said the department had prioritised village and township tourism in the province to enhance tourism promotion. This is to allow communities in villages and townships to showcase their products.
Monama said that, at this time of the year, more than 1.5 million pilgrims flocked to the province to visit their various places of worship for the Easter period. He encouraged tourists to visit places such as the Nandoni Dam, Phiphidi Waterfalls, the Kruger and Mapungubwe National Parks, and other private game reserves in the province.
"In line with our sister Department of Transport and Community Safety, we are also calling for calm and restraint on the roads during this time and urge all our visitors to drive with caution and to arrive alive at their destinations. The Easter period is characterised by short visits by family and friends within the domestic market. We take this opportunity to call on all the citizens of the province to give all our visitors a warm reception," said Monama.
The Limpopo Tourism Agency's board chairperson, Mr Andrew Dipela, stressed the importance of collaborations with the tourism industry. He said the campaign could not succeed by running solo, without the involvement of the tourism industry. "We would be grateful to take hands with the tourism industry, being the drivers of the industry, to promote this beautiful province that has so much to enjoy."