The 8th Annual Limpopo Holiday Fair hit the road running with an insightful conference designed to empower Tourism Product Owners to “Change The Tourism Narrative”
Conference guest speakers were LEDET MEC, Tshitereke Matibe, Limpopo Provicial Tourism Association Deputy Chair,Jimmy Maboko, Limpopo Provincial Tourism Association Chairperson, Dr Mashudu Silimela, Polokwane Municipality Councillor, Ms Puleng Mashangoane, President of the Polokwane Chamber of Business, Percy Mongalo, Limpopo Tourism Agency Deputy Chairperson, Ms Grace Sibara, Capricorn District Municipality Councillor Cllr.CM Mamabolo, PTA Deputy Chairperson, Lerato Sekgobela, Polokwane Municipality Investment Promotion and Tourism Assistant Manager, Rhulani Baloyi, Chairperson of the Tourism Association, Gerhard Franken and Acting Polokwane Executive Mayor, Cllr Joosuf Pemma.
The topics of discussions included: funding, compliance, enterprise development, the impact of the tourism value chain, tourism signage, product marketing and marketing access to government austerity measures and procurement regarding conferencing and accommodation.
Old Mutual Masisizane Fund also touched on the purpose of fund and how tourism Product Owners can access this gap bridging assistance. Delegates in the conference were also given an opportunity to address complications of IDC funding and how to get the support needed to speed up the process. The National Treasury officials and Experts in the tourism industry also gave insight on how to develop the industry.
In honour of celebrating the industry’s heroes, Polokwane Tourism Association held the Star Awards at the Peter Mokaba Stadium to give recognition to the workers who are the real ambassadors of the industry. Votes were adjudicated by officials of the Polokwane Municipality and the winners were all announced at the awards.
Categories:
Restaurants & Takeaways: Waiter, Manager, Pizza, Ribs, Burger, Traditional Food, Chef.
Accommodation: Receptionist, Housekeeping, Maintenance.
Transport: Tourism Guide, Driver, Petrol Attendant.
Others: Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur, Tourism influencer, Spa & Beauty Therapist.