Mpumalanga plans to launch village tourism hubs along each of the province’s popular tourism routes with opportunities for visitors to experience everyday life in local communities.
The concept is being developed by the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT) with plans to roll out the first pilot hub in conjunction with SANParks in the near future.
Linda Grimbeek, CEO of KLCBT, told Tourism Update that some of the proposed activities include learning local dances and songs, having tea and scones with elderly women in the community, playing soccer with children, visiting primary schools, cycling, hiking and visiting small farms.
Each hub will offer different scheduled activities at set times for about an hour and priced at the same rate.
Importantly for the travel trade, said Grimbeek, the activities will be available for pre-booking and pre-payment so that overseas agents and tour operators can include them in itineraries in advance.
She said this will help avoid issues associated with cash payments when tourists arrive in communities. Walk-in visitors will be able to participate and pay by credit card.
Visitors staying at nearby Kruger National Park camps could also leave the park to participate in activities at the hubs. Operators could also take visitors to the hubs as part of their itineraries, Grimbeek added.
