For so many reasons, September is a month of celebration.
We take time to reflect on our heritage and diversity, to salute the coming of spring, and most importantly for the Flow calendar, we celebrate Tourism Month with many of our clients. (It’s also Flow’s birthday but we’ll leave that for a separate blog ...)
The tourism industry is a vital component of the South African economy. According to Statistics South Africa, in June 2016 alone, 3 212 429 travellers (arrivals, departures and transits) passed through South Africa’s ports of entry. They comprised 889 728 South African residents and 2 322 701 foreign travellers.
During September, all the tourism authorities, attractions and tour operators drive awareness around the importance of the tourism industry and what it means for South Africa.
But this year, we are going one step further.
An important part of tourism is accessibility. Often owing to rising costs, many local South Africans don’t visit the world-class attractions on their doorsteps. We’d like to change that.
Tourism for all
This year’s theme, “Tourism for all”, is in line with the World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism for all – promoting universal accessibility”, and aims to promote universal access to South Africa’s favourite tourist destinations.
With so many wonderful places to see and things to do, South Africans are truly spoilt for choice. Our goal is to focus on the destinations and attractions that are affordable, giving special focus to Bloemfontein and Parys in the Free State, where the Department of Tourism has some activities planned.
What to do for Tourism Month
Check the following sites to find exciting things to do this month:
- #MeetSouthAfrica: For those of us who help to manage tourism in any region, a good start is the South African Tourism website. Upload any deals or offers that you or your client are promoting for Tourism Month.
- Sho’t Left: Travelling on a budget? Then start your planning here.
- Cradle of Humankind: The Cradle calendar is filled with events for everyone – sports, music, food, and culture.
- Table Mountain Aerial Cableway: Another heritage site that is worth visiting in September is Table Mountain. Check out the list of free things to do at the Cableway.
- City Sightseeing: The red bus is another fabulous way to sightsee in South Africa. Hop on with its 3-for-1 Kids’ Special or check out its blogs on things to do under R50 in Cape Town, or for under R200 in Joburg.
- Gauteng Tourism Authority: Visit the Gauteng tourism blog to catch a round-up of the latest events happening around the province.
Unforgettable adventures await ... Happy travelling!
