KEETMANSHOOP – //Kharas governor Aletha Frederick last week launched the joint tourism booklet for her region and the Northern Cape Province of South Africa under the theme ‘Your travel guide to combine the best of both’.
The launch took place during a business seminar at the 67th Keetmanshoop Agricultural, Industrial and Tourism Expo.
Frederick urged inhabitants to take ownership of the travel guide, acquaint themselves with it, and market the region.
“The booklet is ours. We need to go through it, and see what type of opportunities there are, and what it is that we have. Small business owners should determine how they can penetrate with their businesses, looking at the value chain and determining what they can add. So, this is not just for the governor and administrators, it’s for all of us,” she stressed.
The governor said it was determined through the twinning agreement that the //Kharas region and the Northern Cape province have exceptional tourism potential which can be promoted jointly to improve the industry, and enhance the livelihoods of local communities. The twinning agreement between the two region was signed in September 1999, and focuses on economic development opportunities, safety and security as well as improving education and cultural tolerance.
“The regions’ unique natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and diverse wildlife make them attractive destinations for tourists. By implementing collaborative marketing strategies and investing in infrastructural development, each region can unlock its full tourism potential and create sustainable economic opportunities for its residents,” she continued.
The travel guide showcases the tourism potential, hospitality industry, cultural heritage and landscapes, while tourism routes were developed to assist visitors in exploring attractions in both regions.
“This guide is not just about the sights and sounds of these two regions. It is also about the people who call places where we find them their homes. You will have the opportunity to meet the locals, learn about their customs and traditions, and experience their warm hospitality first-hand”, Frederick enthused.
The //Kharas Regional Council’s acting chief regional officer Benedictus Diergaardt said the seminar serves as a forum where entrepreneurs, business owners and aspiring professionals can gather to exchange ideas, share insights, and foster collaboration.
- Nampa
Photo: Booklet
Caption: //Kharas governor Aletha Frederick. Photo: Contributed