Picture: Sandi Kwon Hoo
THE LOCAL Economic and Development unit of Sol Plaatje Municipality and the Frances Baard District Municipality will host a tourism promotion campaign at entry points along the N12 to encourage tourists to stay over in the city during their travels over the festive season.
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thoko Riet said the N12 campaign aims to promote Kimberley as a “destination of choice” and to convince visitors to return to the city on their trips back home.
“It is imperative for Kimberley to position itself for drawing visitors into the city for longer periods of stay and one way of achieving this is by expanding on the current tourism portfolio,” said Riet.
She added that they intended to draw more visitors by increasing tourist routes and opportunities.
Riet said that tourism personnel would be stationed at Shell Ultra City on December 14, from 8am to 4.30pm, and at the Caltex garage on December 15, from 8am to 4.30pm.
“Marketing brochures will be handed out, while tourists will be requested to fill in a short questionnaire. This will assist Sol Plaatje Municipality tourism with statistics of the flow of people through the city, if they are staying and are interested in coming back. Entertainment including music, prizes and daily draws will be held.”
Riet added that the promotion would be run in conjunction with the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison’s “Arrive Alive” campaign to assure the safety and security of fellow South Africans as well as international tourists.
“Travellers along the N12 will be provided with information on the different tourism products and services that Kimberley and surrounding areas have to offer.
“The intention is to promote repetitive visitations, longer stays and increase expenditure, which will in return result in an increase in revenue for local businesses.”