INTERVIEW
Attendees can reflect on the previous meetings, ask critical questions, and say what they need in the IDP going forward. It is a five-year process, but is revised every year. A big priority is dealing with social ills such as alcohol and drug abuse and we support NGOs dealing with these issues.
culinary sector and nature reserves. We have places that people really want to visit. We support tourism activities that encourage economic growth in the area. We work very closely with Wesgro, the provincial investment agency.
Do you have good attendance at these meetings?
Every local municipality has its own Local Tourism Association (LTA), and the district co-ordinates a forum every month where we work together. The LTAs are extremely energetic and active.
There is huge progress and this year was the best yet in terms of attendance. About 200 people attended at both Worcester and Paarl. It means people are taking responsibility for what is going on in their community and democracy is well and alive. How do you encourage investment? We are very fortunate in that we have excellent products to sell; our fruit, wine, the environment,
How important is tourism?
Is tourism supporting small and medium enterprises?
One example of how tourism is supporting small enterprises is the Dwarsrivier Valley Tourism, which is really focussed on brining tourism to this rural area. They have a little shop that sells handcrafts, helping people make a living from tourism.
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WESTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2018