Mountain biking in the bush

BDO South Africa has been appointed by the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism to conduct an Economic Impact Study for the Tourism Sector within the Mpumalanga province.  This research is very important as it will help the public sector and operators make informed decisions on what is needed to improve performance of the tourism industry in our province. 
 
If you are a tourism product owner, we kindly request that you complete one of the two questionnaires (links below). Kindly complete before 18 June 2019.

• Accommodation Establishment Questionnaire : Click here
• Attraction Establishment Questionnaire : Click here

Please note that neither Kruger Lowveld Tourism, nor the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism, will not have access to your questionnaire responses.  BDO will ensure that your information remains confidential and will only present aggregated data to the Department and other stakeholders.
 
For further information or assistance please contact Dhiren Nagin at BDO via email on dnagin@bdo.co.za or on 078 214 6327. 
 

Kruger Lowveld at the Caravan, Camp and Destination Show

Kruger Lowveld Ehlanzeni and Ehlanzeni District Municipality exhibited jointly at the Pretoria FM Caravan, Camp and Destination Show held at the Gallagher Convention Centre from 22-24 February 2019, showcasing what the region has to offer the domestic visitor.

Much fun was had by Nomkhosi from Kruger Lowveld and Nathi from EDM interacting with the young and old.

This consumer show brings together camping and outdoor enthusiasts who are always looking for new adventures and new places to explore. Common questions centred around adventure activities, the Kruger National Park and camping venues (of course!).

A concern  that was raised by many was the poor state of some the roads in the Kruger Lowveld region which make less it desirable to travel between certain towns. 
 

Filming dates at Swadini Extended to 20 March 2019

MTPA has announced that they have extended the dates that parts of the Blyde River Canyon Reserve (Swadini Section) will be closed for the filming of a reality TV program. 

Access to the waterfall and path leading to the waterfall will be closed until 20 March 2019.

Visitors will still be able to enjoy full access to Swadini Forever Resort and Blyde River Canyon boat trips, as well as to the attractions such as Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window and all other view points along the canyon. 
 

R40 Service Delivery Protests, We need feedback

In the past few weeks, service delivery protests have led to the closure of the R40 in the Dwarsloop area of Bushbuckridge on several occassions.

This is one of the region's main north / south routes and is used daily by tourists and tourism related services, etc., it is also a significant arterial for the delivery of goods and services in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

The closure of this road by protestors for even an hour could mean a visitor to the country misses a flight or is inconvenienced in some other way, or they are frightened by the lawlessness they obeserve and on their return home share their experiences with friends and family, which has negative implications for our tourism industry.

Should you or your guests have experienced problems by being caught up in these protests, please share these stories with us, we wish to get the message across to our politicians that these protests cause untold damage to tourism and South Africa as a whole; and the best way we can do this is by sharing first hand experiences with them.

Please send anything you have to Tom Vorster

Share your good news stories with us

As much as we have negative issues such as the Dwarsloop protests, the Kruger Lowveld Region is full of good news which is just waiting to be shared.

If something exceptional has happened in your area?  Has a new and exciting activity started up near you? Or should you have an upcoming event that is worthwhile sharing with the wider community and possibly the world, please let us know.

Mail any information to news@krugerlowveld.com

Tourism Grading Council to hold roadshows before the roll out of new Grading Criteria

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) will implement its revised grading standards for accommodation establishments from April 1.

A statement released by SA Tourism stated that the aim of the revised criteria is to “advance and maintain a recognisable, credible and globally-benchmarked system of quality assurance for accommodation and venues in South Africa.”

The roadshows will outline the new grading criteria to all establishment owners, while at the same time introducing the new accolades programme. 

The accolades programme allows for properties to capitalise on niche market differentiation. Accolades includes insignia and criteria for niche markets, such as child-friendly, pet-friendly, wedding venues, spa and wellness facilities, 4x4 etc.

The roadshow for Mpumalanga is scheduled to be held at Pine Lake Inn in White River on Wednesday 27 February, while the Limpopo event will be held on Thursday 28 February at Garden Court Polokwane. 

For more information and to reserve a spot at one of the roadshows, click here

Article courtesy of Tourism Update.
 

Kruger Lowveld is to engage more with members in the outlying areas

In the past Kruger Lowveld Tourism held an annual roadshow over tourism month, where representatives of the organisation visited Local Tourism Organisations (LTO) to give presentations on the state of tourism within the region and to engage with members from the outlying areas.  LTO representatives also attend our monthly tourism management meetings.

It was felt however, that there was not enough engagement between the LTOs, their members and Kruger Lowveld Tourism, it has therefore been decided that a representative of Kruger Lowveld Tourism will make themselves available to attend LTO committee meetings and member's meetings if invited.

The purpose of these engagements will be for Kruger Lowveld as the regional tourism organisation to give its members regular feedback on what it is up to with respect to destination marketing of the region as well as updates on the various advocacy roles it plays in the region.