Over 200 tourism stakeholders attended and during the world café sessions enthusiasm was palpable. A strong message of collaboration came out as key requirement for success.
Executive Mayor of George, Charles Standers, welcomed the stakeholders to this historical occasion. "This is a consultative process, where we as a collective representing the different sectors within the tourism industry, need to plot our strategy and our actions to let George blossom as the jewel of the Garden Route."
Dr Willie Cilliers of the George Business Chamber said the chamber is actively working towards the inclusion of tourism in all of their business initiatives. Professor Johnson of NMMU highlighted the incredible nature in George, as well as the infrastructure available. "If Outeniqua is the land laden with honey then the new honey for George is tourism."
Labeeqah Schuurman, Chief Director: Tourism, Arts and Entertainment, Department of Economic Development and Tourism, presented the strategic growth priorities for the Western Cape visitor economy. This includes the development of niche markets, tourism sites and attractions in order to spread the benefits of tourism throughout the region. Mayor Charles Standers supported this priority saying that the stakeholders of George need to find 'our city's own unique niches' within the tourism industry of the Garden Route.
Think scrums
The afternoon session saw the stakeholders participate in a café style work session which encouraged them to come up with practical suggestions, which can be incorporated into a workable action plan for George Tourism to develop and implement. The results of the work session will also form the basis for the design of a revitalised tourism brand for George. Carli Bunding-Venter, LED Manager for George Municipality, facilitated the session which required concentrated work. It did allow for some creative outlet as well. "The active participation and positive attitude of all the stakeholders at the event was very exciting to see. There seems to be a real commitment to collaborating to deliver results for tourism in George. The group produced excellent results, and we are currently working to collate these into a workshop report."
After the event Outeniqua Tourism Association (OTA) Chairman, Michael Cook, said he was pleased to note that his proposal for forming a Section 24 Company, which would oversee the tourism function - was carried forward to the main proposal board.
View photo gallery.
The world café method of getting meaningful public participation was used on Thursday at the George Municipality's Tourism Indaba. From left are Jacques van Heerden (George High School), Jeoffrey van Niekerk (Oakhurst Insurance), Frikkie du Toit (Tramonto), Olga de Wit (Fairy Knowe Hotel) and Melissa Mouton. Photo: Pauline Lourens
ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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