City celebrated at Tourism Day
By Tabisa Mntengwana
21 September 2009
ARTS, crafts and music were the order of the day at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, where Tourism Month was celebrated in fitting style.
Sindiswa Gomba, the integrated development plan, budget, policy and performance portfolio head, welcomed visitors to the stadium on Thursday, 17 September. He encouraged the community to go to the municipal tourism offices in Mdantsane and share their ideas with the tourism officials.
"In this way their talent may be exploited and exposed during events of this nature." Gomba added that tourism in Buffalo City was growing and that visitors to the city were impressed.
Vuyani Mbatha, the general manager of local economic development, tourism and rural development, then spoke about the purpose of the day. He highlighted three areas important to Buffalo City's tourism industry - the objectives of the day, and challenges and opportunities in the sector.
"The industry is faced with a lot of challenges [but] as Buffalo City we are ready to tackle them and make communities aware of the attractive tourism sites we have."
He said that the City, together with relevant stakeholders, was planning various activities to boost the municipality's economy through tourism.
Tourism Month celebrations in Buffalo City kicked off on 11 September with a schools debate in King William's Town. The City this year set aside 17 September as Tourism Day; Tourism Month is marked nationally in September, when towns and cities across the country focus on the importance of tourism to the economy.
During the month, emphasis is placed on educating local communities about the role of tourism in the economy while exposing them to the unique and diverse tourism experiences offered locally that can be enjoyed by all.
Both Buffalo City events were organised by the City's department of local economic development, tourism and rural development, which will work closely with the provincial department of education in ensuring all schools offer tourism as a subject.
On Thursday, before the portfolio head for local economic development, tourism and rural development, Sithembiso Tyilo, spoke, a traditional dance group called Ngxingxolo performed.
In his keynote address, Tyilo said: "Buffalo City is up in arms in their tourism awareness through our hotels, bed and breakfasts, and traditional arts and crafts … Our efforts in promoting tourism in Buffalo City are not going to waste. We have witnessed it this day and in previous activities."
He highlighted that the city had a rich heritage and exciting tourism sites to showcase to visitors.
The day ended in music from local artists including gospel group Perfect Praise and hip-hop groups Manskap, Sdela Hip Hop, POU and DOC.
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