Old army base to lure tourists

AN old military dog unit situated at the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga will be converted into a1 100-bed hotel and tourism node to cash in on the area’s lucrative tourism industry. The Bourke’s Luck military base was closed in the mid 1990s and the local council has since negotiated a deal with the Department of Public Works to lease the grounds for 99 years. Bidders are now being sought to convert the base into a tourism node. “The successful bidder will have to ensure a vibrant centre for tourism that is conducive to economic development and job-creation,” says council representative, David Lancaster. The base has lecture rooms, a hall, an administration block, a fully fitted kitchen and catering facilities. (African Eye News Service)