Cape Agulhas project highlights South Africa’s tourism growth

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

During a recent visit to the Lighthouse Precinct project within the Cape Agulhas National Park, Minister de Lille, along with Mayor Paul Swart of the Cape Agulhas Municipality, Deputy Mayor Cllr Helen Coetzee of the Overberg District Municipality, and other regional councillors, underscored the significance of this and similar infrastructure projects across the nation. These projects, orchestrated by the Department of Tourism, are crafted to enhance tourism appeal by introducing new facilities and maintaining existing ones, in line with the Tourism Sector Master Plan’s goals.

The investment of R54.9 million by the Department of Tourism into the Lighthouse Precinct Project underscores a commitment to making the site a beacon for visitors, thereby fostering tourism growth in the neighboring areas. Minister de Lille, accompanied by local and district councillors, inspected the project’s progress, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to amplify the country’s tourism attractions.

Currently, the project, executed in partnership with SanParks, boasts a 73% completion rate, with expectations to conclude by June of the current year. The Agulhas National Park, set in the Southern Overberg region of the Western Cape, stretches along the coast between Gansbaai and Struisbaai, marking the southernmost point of Africa. The funding for this project was disbursed in two phases, with the first phase wrapping up in 2018 and the second phase, which includes various infrastructural developments like a restaurant and interpretation center, currently underway.

This project not only enhances the area’s tourism infrastructure but also brings considerable socio-economic advantages, having provided employment to 77 individuals, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities, and engaging 8 subcontractors from local communities for various construction tasks.

Minister de Lille articulated the government’s investment in infrastructure as a testament to its dedication to expanding the tourism sector, creating a fertile ground for further private sector investment. She highlighted the role of such investments in keeping South Africa’s tourist offerings diverse and appealing to ensure repeat visits.

The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct Project is part of 25 maintenance initiatives announced by the Minister, aiming to create jobs and stimulate tourism development. With 22 projects near completion and three ongoing, these efforts represent a significant investment in the country’s tourism infrastructure.

Moreover, the Department of Tourism is advancing numerous Community-Based Tourism Infrastructure Projects, focusing on the development or enhancement of accommodation facilities, including the collaboration with the Mdluli Traditional Council on the Mdluli Lodge near Kruger National Park. A total of 29 community projects are in progress, aiming to generate employment and contribute to the local economies.

All involved parties expressed satisfaction with the Lighthouse Precinct Project’s progression, committing to continued collaboration to ensure its long-term success and maintenance, thereby securing economic benefits for the tourism sector and local communities.

[Image Sources: Xplorio]

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