Speaking at the two-day Tourism Conference taking place at The Lakes Hotel in Benoni, the director of Soweto Outdoor Adventures, Kgomotso Pooe encouraged township entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities that exist in their backyard.
“We as township people need to manufacture local products that represent us. We need to show the flair and fire that is always associated with the township.
“Why can’t we start a tourism business in a shack because that represents us? If you are aware of your surroundings you can unlock your tourism sector in the township,” said Pooe.
Pooe gave examples of using a horse-driven cart to provide a tour of the township and providing a pedal-powered boat in the township.
Among the biggest challenges outlined by the guest speakers is that entrepreneurs do not know the value of township businesses.
“In comparison to mainstream tourism, township tourism is still marginal and needs to be taken advantage of as it provides economic opportunities and advancement for local entrepreneurs.”
Local entrepreneurs were also encouraged to share their ideas, talk among themselves and work together to form a conglomerate to attract investors without the fear of someone else stealing their ideas.
Another important feature discussed was the use of e-tourism to attract the market and ensure that the tourism sector is accessible through using the latest technology.
This involves the use of social media and existing technologies such as video and audio to allow tourists to experience the destinations without physically being there and to explore those places before embarking on their tourism journey.
The Ekurhuleni Metro’s tourism officials will develop an action plan reflecting on the deliberations highlighted at the two-day conference.
Key points will be taken to complement the existing Tourism Strategy 2016-2021 which also emphasises the development of the tourism infrastructure.
