Ledet MEC urges tourists to visit Limpopo as he launches the 2024 Summer campaign
BURGERSFORT
The MEC for Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) Tshitereke Matibe launched the 2024 Summer Campaign at Thaba Moshate Casino in Burgersfort on October 30.
Speaking at the event, Matibe applauded Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, who he said has openly declared her love and support for tourism in the province.
He commended the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) for its efforts and innovation to capture scores of travelers to the province during the summer period.
“The calendar of activities compiled in partnership with the private sector for our Summer Campaign that includes the festive season, proves beyond reasonable
doubt that our ‘Limpopo ka December Campaign‘ is set to immerse our travellers beyond expectations. This will timeously capture more prospective holiday makers to Limpopo this summer. I am particularly encouraged by the fact that Limpopo citizens have come of age as they are beginning to plan for holidays locally instead of going out of the province given so much that our destination has on offer.”
Matibe said this is one of the four critical seasonal campaigns that seeks to promote and market destination Limpopo as a viable tourist destination both locally (South Africa) and the rest of the world.
According to Matibe the month of October was packed with so many activities that transcend into both November and December months leaving Limpopo abuzz with more to enjoy.
“ The Summer Campaign we are launching today, is a marketing activity undertaken by the entity to create awareness and market the province as a preferred destination of choice during this festive season. This comes against the backdrop of the agency having taken a strategic retreat at Kone Village Boutique Lodge to plan for the next five years of the 7th administration.”
He reiterated that the aim of the launch is to showcase Limpopo as a preferred holiday destination, but most importantly to grow the province’s market share of domestic travelers, thereby making a dent on the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
He added,“ The emphasis will this year once again be on the ‘More to Enjoy’ pay-offline to emphasize diverse destination offerings. This plan
seeks to target local travelers and especially the visiting friends and relatives (VFR’s), which our province is very strong on and intends to convert into holiday
makers.
“This market segment is from neighbouring provinces such as Gauteng, North West and Mpumalanga and often come to Limpopo during this period to enjoy the festive season with us. The campaign will be supported by activations and/or exhibitions provincially with other partners.
It is against this background and many more that will be happening in Limpopo this festive season that Ramathuba coined the new concept peculiar to this
season called ‘Limpopo Ka December’, which LTA has already embraced and introduced on its website.”
Some of the events, the MEC urged locals to support include, Xitsonga Music Awards taking place at Nkowankowa Stadium on the 21st December
2024,Yellow Arum Lily Festival taking place in Roossenekal in Sekhukhune on the 30th November 2024, Thobela FM Gospel Festival taking place at
Polokwane Cricket Club from the 30th November 2024 ,Sapa Yopa Rally in Polokwane at a venue and date to be confirmed, Esibayeni Live on Ikwekwesi FM on 22-23 November 2024 at Esibayeni Guest House, Monsterlus, Astro-tourism Activation in celebration of 200 years of King Thulare’s Great Eclipse on 20 December 2024 at Tšate III Great Palace, Maebe, Mohlaletsi, Ultimate Colour Festival on 22 December 2024 at Florance Palm Resort, Mapungubwe Arts Festival in Polokwane at a venue and date to be confirmed, Gae Lapeng Chilllas by the river on 26 December 2024 at Motsephiri River, Ga-Mabintane, and many more events.
The MEC said he is grateful the sector has fully recovered. He thanked the amount of resilience it displayed despite the government’s recovery plans put in place to assist the sector.
“I urge people to use this holiday season to visit many offerings the province has at its disposal to reenergize and recharge their bodies and minds to return to their work reinvigorated and productive.”
The Summer Campaign is from October 2024 to February 2025.
