Delegates to the Ekurhuleni Metro’s inaugural Tourism Conference listened to information on the exciting, growing Gauteng tourism ventures.
Speaking at the two-day conference, that was held at The Lakes Hotel in Benoni, Finance and Economic Development MMC Clr Doctor Xhakaza said it was time that Ekurhuleni’s tourism potential was released.
Xhakaza said his department has developed a Tourism Strategy 2016-2021 which will see development of the tourism infrastructure.
In line with the strategy, a sum of R10-million has been allocated for the 2016/17 financial year, to create a tourism hub in Khumalo Street, Thokoza.
“The development of Khumalo Street is part of the broader township revitalisation plan,” he explained.
“The objective is to turn the once notorious street into a tourism destination of choice.”
Among key tourism attractions outlined in the Tourism Strategy is the establishment of a visitor information centre at the OR Tambo International Airport.
The development of a Convention for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa) museum is also on the cards, which will give visitors an account of Codesa’s negotiations.
The negotiations took place in Kempton Park to pave way for the democratic regime.
The Germiston area will not be the same when a waterfront facility is established at Germiston Lake. The facility will boast a food court and a conference centre.
“These interventions are aimed at making Ekurhuleni globally known and to ensure that we strengthen the development of our local products, citizens’ standard of living and also strengthen our local businesses, in order to alleviate unemployment and attract tourists to the city,” Xhakaza said.
