Tourism is key to local economy

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GRAAFF-REINET NEWS AND VIDEO - Graaff-Reinet might see new tourism initiatives to attract tourists to town.

This, after Franschhoek Wine Valley Association Chairperson Hein Koegelenberg, and his wife Henneli Rupert-Koegelenberg, shared their tourism model with representatives of Graaff Reinet at an open discussion on Friday.

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Local businessman and lawyer Derek Light welcomed guests by stating that Graaff-Reinet needs to collaborate and learn from the Franschhoek Wine Valley Association's model now, more than ever, if they want to grow the brand of Graaff-Reinet to attract tourist and investors to town.

Koegelenberg stated that Franschhoek's four pillars of success are wine, hospitality, restaurants and retail. "In Graaf-Reinet you have all these components and more to create a unique tourism destination such as your open spaces, your nature reserves, venison and food as well as your rich cultural heritage and opportunity for adventure sports."

He added that there is no quick fix. "We have to stick together. Graaff-Reinet's residents, business people, decision-makers and property owners must come to the party and serve on their respective representative committees, we should take hands and add value through partnerships and initiatives of twinning our towns for specific tourist routes and festivities, like where we can combine our wine, your rich heritage and food."

Light urged that existing forums, business owners and residents buy into the new forum's plan of action. "The consequences of a failing municipality are dire. We have to work together as an inclusive community towards a solution, and learn from others to enhance a strategy to create investment opportunities and prosperity for Graaff-Reinet as a whole."

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