The Deputy Minister of Tourism Tokozile Xasa has officially launched the Bonkolo Dam family recreation centre on 07 June 2016, in Queenstown, the Eastern Cape. The first of its kind in the Chris Hani District Municipality, this recreation centre was launched in partnership between the Department of Tourism and Lukhanji Local Municipality.
Deputy Minister Xasa highlighted the need for communities to turn their culture and heritage into tourism businesses. “We need to promote local development, in order to lure tourists in the area. There needs to be a boom in the hospitality industry, restaurant, authentic crafts market, small and medium businesses’’, said Xasa.
“Tourism builds social cohesion and therefore the community needs to play their role to protect and guard the centre”, the Deputy Minister concluded.
Lukhanji Municipality Executive Mayor Councillor Makanda said that Lukhanji is the economic hub of the district municipality and therefore building this recreation centre will make sure that area and community participate in the economy of the province and the tourism industry.
The mayor also added that Bonkolo Dam is open for business, and it should be a family destination of choice for locals and tourists. “The community and event organisers of Lukhanji should take advantage of this centre and make sure it doesn’t go to waste, said Councillor Makanda.
The project created 140 jobs that were sustained for an 18 month period, and used in excess of 85 SMMEs. The day visitor facility is well placed and a valuable asset to the Queenstown area as well as for the leisure and business markets that exist in the area. The venue will also complement the existing tourism service providers.
The venue has been well received by the locals which have even used the venue for outdoor challenges and events.
For more information, visit our website on www.tourism.gov.za;
Enquiries:
Mr Trevor Bloem
Chief Director: Communications
Department of Tourism
Tel: +27 (0) 12 444 6607
Cell: 27 (0) 82 771 6729
Email: tbloem@tourism.gov.za