South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, together with the Eastern Cape MEC for Economic Development, Environment Affairs and Tourism, engaged with communities around Mngazana Village, Eastern Cape, to discuss the tourism benefits of the 64 kilometre six-day hiking trail on September 25.
“The hiking trail from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay can create much opportunity. Our challenge is to make this a blow-away hiking trail. We want people from the across the world to hike this trail as it is unique, linking physical beauty with a cultural experience,” said Hanekom.
The R20 million (€1.2m) project saw the six-day hiking trail from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape refurbished. Construction commenced in January 2016 with Phase 1, and included the upgrading of the hiking trail through erosion control and enhancement of the trail; construction of ablution blocks; recreational facilities including benches and park bins; clearing of alien vegetation; building of nine hiking huts and provision of furniture.
“The big magnet is the physical beauty of this area and the environment that will attract many tourists. We need to look after that environment,” added Hanekom. “We need to make certain as tourism grows that people benefit and are always there to welcome the tourists. It is about the environment and people. Without people and the participation of the people, the environment will not be protected. If the environment is well protected, there will be more tourists, more jobs and more opportunities.
“Big tourist attractions create jobs and put food on the table for many people. Tourism is not only for some big hotels, but it is about the people and the benefits must go to the people,” concluded the Minister.
Phase 1 of the project employed 104 people between 2016 and 2017 from Mpande, Hluleka, Mgazana and port St Johns. Hanekom is in the Eastern Cape to host World Tourism Day on September 27 at Luchaba Nature Resort in Mthatha.
