The North West Parks and Tourism Board in conjunction with the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism are ready and waiting to showcase the rich diversity, culture and lifestyle experiences the province has to offer during this year’s Parks Mahala Week.
The initiative will run between 15 September until 22 September 2024, where visitors will be afforded free entry at parks across the province.
Park-goers are guaranteed breathtaking and unique attractions at Kgaswane Nature Reserve, Bloemhof Nature Reserve, Borakalalo Nature Reserve, Mahikeng Nature Reserve, Boskop Dam Nature Reserve, Pilanesberg Nature Reserve and Baberspan Bird Sanctuary, among others.
North West, often referred to as the Platinum Province, is also known to be a sight to see, particularly for its magnificent mountains, diverse landscapes, and geological features.
The parks in the province also offer an opportunity for great outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing and hiking.
In addition to a full nature experience and exciting lifestyle events lined up this Tourism Month, the Board indicated that it wants this period to be lucrative for local SMMEs.
In an exclusive interview with YOUFM on the Old School Hangout with Kea Ratlhagane, the Board Chief Marketing Officer Sebaka Mooketsi outlined some of the opportunities that will be made available for local entrepreneurs.
“It is important that with each and every one of our activities and events, there are economic opportunities for our SMMEs and communities in the North West.
So even during Mahala week, when you visit our parks you will see that we have different stalls of crafts, food, clothes and many more available, just to make sure that the people who visit our parks also contribute towards supporting those small businesses.
This applies to our lifestyle events as well.
We make sure that we create market access opportunities, to broaden the chance to benefit across organisers, sponsors, and the business owners.
We want to make sure that our SMMEs are exposed to greater opportunities,” Mooketsi elaborated.
She echoed the sentiments of the MEC for Economic Development, Conservation, Environment and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, who encouraged peace, harmony, and connection during the celebrations of heritage and culture during this Tourism Month, when she officially launched it at Hartbeespoort Dam.
Meanwhile, Mooketsi added that there will be various activations and cool prizes up for grabs throughout the month.
Travellers can keep abreast on what to lookout for on the provided digital spaces:
www.tourismnorthwest.co.za
Twitter: @TourismNW
Facebook: North West Tourism
Instagram: tourismnorthwest
