All systems go for Eastern Cape rural tourism

Indeed, it is just be what the Eastern Cape needs.
The launch of the Ndlambe Community Project, which will promote rural tourism growth, in the Eastern Cape gives hope that there is commitment at least at national government level to develop economic activities in one of the country’s under resourced provinces.Tourism Deputy Minister, Tokozile Xasa, launched the project on during National Imbizo Focus Week.
The project was started in 2011 and brings to fruition one of the Department of Tourism’s nine Social Responsibility Implementation (SRI) initiatives earmarked for launching in the 2015/16 financial year.
As part of the project, existing houses were renovated and refurbished into accommodation facilities and two new units were built. Each of these units can accommodate six people.
Another existing house has been converted into a conferencing venue for 40 people. These upgrades will bring this facility in line with the standards required for a 3-star tourism facility grading.
During the launch, Deputy Minister Xasa said tourism has been identified as one of the key priority areas of Ndlambe in the Local Economic Development Strategy. Ndlambe Local Municipality is an administrative area in the Cacadu District.
“Projects like these are meant to implement the strategy and it is imperative that tourism projects and initiatives within the municipality seek to grow the tourism economy by increasing economic benefits of tourism to the area through community beneficiation.”