GEORGE NEWS - Tourism is a labour-intensive sector that offers a great deal of opportunities to stimulate economic growth and transformation. In the South African context, transformation is the process of advancing sector initiatives for the empowerment of previously disadvantaged people, and in so doing, making the sector more accessible and more beneficial to all South Africans.
In these Covid-ridden times, the domestic tourism sector plays a key role in reversing the debilitating damage and chaos caused by the pandemic.
Last year's level 5 lockdown restrictions caused a massive nose dive in visitor numbers - both foreign and domestic - to all corners of Mzanzi, jeopardising a vast number of jobs and disrupting transformational projects.
National Tourism Month, in league with the United Nations' World Tourism Day, is arguably more relevant than ever in cultivating consciousness of the importance of tourism and switching things back to a more positive outlook.
This week, the Western Cape narrows down on the theme of transformation as part of the province's Tourism Month celebrations. In the George municipal area, there are a variety of sights and activities that link up with this important theme.
Dine local
There is no better way to absorb a region's culture than to visit local people's houses, sharing a traditional, home cooked meal, listening to their stories and music, and engaging in personal interaction.
Dine with a Local is a successful tourism concept offering the community the opportunity to benefit directly and indirectly from tourism.
In George, various households in the communities of Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu are involved in this project, and visitors will get a deeper insight into the Xhosa, Khoi, and Cape Malay cultures.
The non-profit foundation Kula Malaika near Hoekwil originated as an effort to reduce the vicious cycle of poverty and all its associated negative factors.
Besides learning more about their various projects that make a difference in society, such as child centres and a farm where skills training and production take place, visitors can also look forward to enjoying a great cup of coffee and delicious light meals at the foundation's Bush Café, buying hand-made articles such as mohair mats from its broad range of products, or booking an African experience with authentic meals and music.
A chance to get up close and personal with local life is presented by Explore Our Hood Tours and Experiences.
Explore our Hood
Another chance to get up close and personal with local life is presented by Explore Our Hood Tours and Experiences. This entrepreneurial organisation is bent on showing visitors Thembalethu and other regional communities through the eyes of a local.
The experience encompasses driven and walking tours to places of interest. It's perfect for discovering and tasting authentic and unusual food and to feel truly South African.
Come spend a lazy and relaxing few hours at the Milkwood Village Market in Wilderness, which takes place every Sunday. The market is characterised by live music and a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Best of all are the many exotic craft stalls where visitors can hunt for unique, practical, not-so-practical, beautiful and quirky items. By buying articles made by talented local people from all walks of life, visitors contribute to job creation and economic stimulation.
At Thembalethu Bed and Breakfast, guests can count on comfortable accommodation and tasty breakfasts. True African hospitality is the order of the day. As it is situated in an area comprised of a motley collection of different cultures, such as the Rastafarians with their fascinating religion and handcrafted products, it's a stay that will truly broaden the visitor's mind.
With so many exotic experiences and unique activities available right here in our own backyard, the time to travel locally and return to our roots has arrived. Come meet the people behind the crafts and participate in their empowerment.
The George, Wilderness and Uniondale area is proud and eager to share its bounty. Covid-19 protocols are strictly adhered to across the whole area. For more information, make sure to visit the George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism website.
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