2008-02-25

Report by Timothy Twidle GARDEN ROUTE CORRESPONDENT www.theherald.co.za

THE Baviaans area can increase its annual income from tourism from the current R50-million to around R250-million in the long run, tourism consultants say.

Speaking at the formal opening of the Baviaans Tourism offices in Willowmore in the Eastern Cape at the weekend, Peter Miles of Kyle Business Projects said: “In the long run, Baviaans can reap R250-million a year from tourism.”

Baviaans mayor Ewald Loock, who officiated at the opening, was presented with a tourism sector plan by Kyle head Tony Albers.

He said marketing the area as a tourism destination was vital.

Before handing over the tourism sector plan for Baviaans, a study that runs to 300 pages, Miles said: “Eco-friendly initiatives must work to the benefit of the local community, the environment and tourism. Best practice plans have to be implemented that work in conjunction with the environment.”

He said the biodiversity of the Eastern Cape was unique. Baviaans was a brand name that was well known and with proper marketing the potential for tourism in the area was huge.

In 2005 South Africa attracted two million visitors from overseas and six million from the rest of Africa. “Total visitors to South Africa year on year are set to reach 10 million in the near future.”

Philip Theunissen, chairman of the Baviaans Tourism Advisory Committee, said they were delighted about the opening and also had a satellite office in Steytlerville.

Thandubuhle Mgudlwa, tourism and marketing officer of the Cacadu district municipality, said: “Cacadu has embarked on an initiative to transform and formalise its tourism sector. Tourism in the area must grow effectively for the benefit of the local economy.

"It can act as a catalyst for macro-economic development."