Limpopo Province; Polokwane: Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) welcomes the survey by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on the country’s Domestic Tourism Survey (DTS) as this helps update the public about how provinces performed during the period under review. Tourism continues to proof to be an important pillar of the country’s economy despite challenges that the sector faces. The sector continues to display symptoms of recovery and growth after being adversely affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic three years ago. This is positive news as this has the potential to make a significant contribution to the South African economy. According to Stats SA, tourism is targeted by government as one of the industries for future economic growth in the country. With tourism being the biggest employer in the country and the world, it is pleasing to note that it is regarded as a potential sector where large-scale employment opportunities can be created.
According to the survey, Gauteng was the preferred destination for day travellers for both years with 18,8% in 2021 and 20,3% in 2022. Eastern Cape followed at 12,8% in 2021 while in 2022 the second most visited province was Western Cape at 16,1%, then Limpopo at 14,3%. The results further show that in 2021, tourists (people who undertook overnight trips) mostly preferred visiting Limpopo (20,3%), Gauteng (15,1%) and KwaZulu-Natal (14,9%). In 2022, the results show that when looking at overnight trips, the most visited province was Western Cape (15,8%), followed by Limpopo at 14,9% and KwaZulu-Natal (14,7%).
This paints a bright future for tourism in Limpopo as the period under review also displays comfort in the top three most visited in the country on the domestic tourism front. This survey follows the one the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Patricia de Lille, announced this year on the 10th May 2023, at the Nkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban Kwazulu Natal Province. De Lille at the time said, “As the world reawakens, tourists are flocking back to South Africa, enticed by our unparalleled natural beauty and the warmth of our people”.
The survey further states that in 2022, shopping and visiting friends and relatives (VFRs) were the main reasons cited by approximately 35,3 million and 21,7 million travellers, respectively. Most day travellers and tourists were more likely to use cars and taxis to reach their destinations. LTA considers VFRs as a significant segment of travellers that the Agency wishes to convert into holiday makers.
The CEO of LTA, Mr. Moses Ngobeni, is confident that the province will turn the corner as there is so much to entice people with to visit the destination during this summer. “With a plethora of activities lined up for this festive season, we are optimistic that the province is on track to reclaiming its number one spot as the LTA WELCOMES THE DOMESTIC TOURISM SURVEY BY STATISTICS SOUTH AFRICA 2
most loved and visited destination in the country in the domestic tourism space. Activities lined up for this festive season include but mot limited to, Yellow Arum Lily Festival in Roossenekal, on the 25 November 2023, Thobela FM Gospel Festival in Polokwane, on the 25th November 2023, Sapa Yopa Motor Bikers Rally in Polokwane, between 30 November and 3 December 2023, Love and Soul Music Entertainment at Sun Meropa, Polokwane on 25 November 2023, Doek and Jean Session with Ringo 2 December 2023, Mapungubwe Arts Festival on 16 December 2023 in Polokwane, etc”. For more information on this people are advised to visit LTA website @ www.golimpopo.com
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ISSUED ON BEHALF OF LTA BY:
MIKE TAUATSOALA
HEAD: CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & PR
LIMPOPO TOURISM AGENCY
Tel: 015 293 3600
Cell: 082 886 3294
Email: miket@golimpopo.com
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