Positive progress in provincial travel and tourism

25 January 2012

Usually termed “dead December” by those in the travel and tourism industry, Gauteng enjoyed more visitors, more travel and tourism spend, and more market interest late last year.

The provincial tourism agency, Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA), reported increases in visitor activity in venues across the province, specifically highlighting the growing interest in Gauteng’s World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind, and its visitor centre, Maropeng.

The positive growth in tourism numbers can be attributed to ongoing efforts by the provincial tourism agency to promote tourism products in the province.

In mid-November last year, the GTA launched the “I’m a GeePee” campaign and loyalty card, which offers domestic and international visitors discounted rates at tourism hotspots and places of interest across the province.

The uptake of the loyalty card, and the associated interest in the hotels, tours, restaurants and museums involved, has been great.

“We have received tremendous support from our hotel chains and other facilities’ owners in the form of heavily reduced rates of up to almost 50%,” explained Gauteng Tourism CEO, Dawn Robertson. “And that was a huge boost for the campaign.

“Suddenly that five-star hotel you might have been eyeing but were scared to book because of the cost is now available at half the price!”

Another upbeat development is Gauteng’s hosting of Meetings Africa this year, the biggest African business tourism expo that focuses on the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. If last year’s numbers are anything to go by, the event will host over 10 000 MICE industry players from all over the world.

With the recent opening of the Dinokeng Game Reserve north of Pretoria and Gauteng’s successful hosting of the Sansui Summer Cup, the tourism and travel industry in the province is set for great heights. Watch this space!