By: Boipelo Mere

The Northern Cape government has invested R37.8 million into tourism programmes aimed at job creation, product development, as well as sustainable practices that will prospectively form part of efforts to position the sector as an economic growth catapult.

MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Venus Blennies-Magage, launched Tourism Month at Witsand Game Reserve on Tuesday under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” The Provincial Tourism Day Celebration will follow on 26 September in Kuruman.

Blennies-Magage said the province is shifting from traditional tourism promotion to an experience-driven approach, showcasing its cultural heritage, natural attractions, and adventure opportunities.

She also acknowledged challenges such as poor road access and declining domestic arrivals, but expressed confidence in the sector’s growth potential.

The province has supported 16 small tourism enterprises through the investment, including four youth-owned businesses. The funding also enabled five enterprises to exhibit at the Africa Travel Indaba in Durban, established seven Astro-tourism ventures, incubated seven tour operators with Sol Plaatje University, and enhanced nine tourism experiences.

Blennies-Magage called for greater investment in smaller provinces, saying tourism can rebalance national growth and drive job creation.

“Tourism is transformation in action. When done right, it creates dignity, inclusion and sustainability,” she said.

The Northern Cape will host a series of tourism and cultural events this month to promote the sector, which the MEC described as a catalyst for regional development and a meaningful contributor to the national economy.