Tourism

Tourism in this natural paradise of diversity holds immense potential, and is already one of its main economic drivers. The Eastern Cape is becoming a major eco-tourism destination, although the province is still largely an undiscovered gem in South Africa’s tourist treasure trove; programmes are in place to vastly increase tourism income in this beautiful province. The growth of the sector is providing much-needed jobs in the spectacularly beautiful areas of the former homelands, such as the Transkei Wild Coast.

The year 2006/7 saw the registration of tourism products in the province grow by 22% increase, to 720 from 590, and the registration of tour guides has also grown.

The province contains all seven of the country’s biomes, or ecological types. Natural beauty ranges from the majestic Drakensburg Mountains to the long beaches of the Sunshine Coast, the open spaces of the Karoo to the indigenous forests of Wild Coast. It boasts South Africa’s main cultural festival (the Grahamstown Festival, held each winter), premier surf spots, only ski resort, best beaches, most famous seaside hike, highest bungee jump, only waterfall plunging directly into the sea, and a museum devoted to a global icon, Nelson Mandela. There’s plenty more, not least of which is a rich cultural, historical and political heritage as enduring as the rock art of the San people. The entire province is malaria-free.

The province is branded as ‘Naturally South Africa’s Best’. There are nine major tourist routes that sweep from lush forests and mountains through outstanding wildlife reserves, historical ‘frontier country’ and the stark Karoo to the unspoiled Wild Coast. New community ventures are adding vibrancy to tourism routes, and the opportunity to experience the rich Xhosa culture. There is also growing interest in developing tourism around the province’s rich political heritage.

Many of the Eastern Cape’s parks and reserves are being expanded, but together, they already cover more land than the Kruger National Park. You’ll see the Big 5 here. Add sighting of whales and the Great White Shark, and you’ll have seen the Big 7. If you want to veer off the beaten track, you’ll be drawn by the wonders of the spectacular but relatively unknown Wild Coast.

This is truly a world in one province.

SOME OPPORTUNITIES:

• Amatola living museum: A centre of history, culture and experience to showcase the Amatola Park.
• Amatola park: Feasibility on linking existing reserves and scheduled areas into a diverse park.
• Branding and marketing: Unification of a series of core attractions and tourism routes under strong brands.
• Craft industry development: Training in design, quality control and marketing for craft industries and co-operatives. Craft centres in towns and at tourism attractions.
• Extension of reserves: Increasing area, attractions and facilities at Addo, Fish River, Baviaans, Karoo and Pondoland reserves.
• East London beachfront development: This has been on the cards for some time, and is now moving ahead with a spatial development plan and a proposal call process. The scope includes a leisure park, holiday resort and craft harbour.
• Festivals: Arts, crafts, music and culture festivals linked to tourism routes, attractions and seasons.
• Gariep Dam development: Gariep provides a gateway to draw in tourists to the Karoo Heartland and Friendly N6 routes with resort potential on the lake itself. Investment opportunities include hotels, restaurants, lodges, watersports, nature conversation and game farming.
• Madiba Bay Leisure Park: This is a 6,000 hectare lifestyle and leisure development at Port Elizabeth. Construction is underway on residential complexes.
• Maluti/Drakensberg: Transfrontier park provides an opportunity for resorts, infrastructure and community tourism in the Maluti area of the Alfred Nzo District.
• Tourism training: Training for guides, Tourism Board staff, establishment staff and black entrepreneurs.
• Wild Coast – community tourism: Promotion of trails, campsites, guides, accommodation by communities.
• Wild Coast – new resorts: Zoning of areas for the development of new resorts and promotion of investment.
• Wild Coast – Port St Johns: Development of waterfront, marina, accommodation, crafts, airport.
• Wild Coast – upgrading reserves: Upgrading facilities by enterprise promotion and community tourism through community public private partnerships.

USEFUL CONTACTS:

• ECDC tourism sector specialist
— Tel: 043-704-5606 | E-mail: tourism@ecdc.co.za | Website: www.ecdc.co.za
• Cacadu Regional Tourism Organisation
— Tel: 041-585-8922
• Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism
— Tel: 040-639-2001
• Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism (national)
— Tel: 012-310-3911 | Website: www.nda.agric.za
• Eastern Cape Tourism Board
— Tel: 043-701-9600 | E-mail: info@ectourism.co.za | Website: www.ectourism.co.za
• South African National Parks Board
— Tel: 012-428-9111 | Website: www.parks-sa.co.za
• SA Tourism
— Tel: 011-778-8000 | E-mail: info@southafrica.net | Website: www.southafrica.net
• Tourism Buffalo City
— Tel: 043-722-6015 | E-mail: info@tourismbuffalocity.co.za | Website: www.tourismbuffalocity.co.za
• Tourism Port Elizabeth
— Tel: 041-585-8884 | E-mail: information@tourismpe.co.za | Website: www.ibhayi.com