Day 2 of the SATOVITO Township & Village Tourism Intra-Trade Conference opened the floor to delegates for an engaging Q&A session, where tourism stakeholders from across the country shared ideas, challenges, and practical solutions to strengthen the township and village tourism ecosystem.
Ladysmith Delegates Call for Greater Provincial Integration
A delegate from Ladysmith highlighted the need for inter-provincial exposure, expressing a desire for SATOVITO to invite Ladysmith tourism representatives to more events countrywide. They emphasised that Ladysmith has powerful tourism stories to tell — including the town’s rich heritage, cultural narratives, and nearby attractions such as a Big 5 game reserve and various historical sites.
By being invited to events in other provinces, they believe Ladysmith would gain a bigger platform to market its unique offering and boost visitor numbers.
Traditional Leaders Must Play a Bigger Role in Tourism Development
Another delegate, a travel agency operator, raised the importance of traditional leaders in tourism. He noted that traditional councils are gatekeepers of culture and land, making them vital partners for tourism development, youth empowerment, and skills training.
Programme Director Mr. Thabo Matsafu added that South Africa must actively package and promote its cultural stories, noting that music plays a critical role in the tourism experience. He emphasized supporting local artists and cultural performers, reminding the audience that global icons like Ladysmith Black Mambazo have proven the power of cultural music on the international stage.
Limpopo Delegate Urges Expanded Media Access
A delegate from Limpopo raised an important challenge: tourism information does not reach remote areas, leaving rural communities disconnected from opportunities presented at events like this.
To bridge this gap, the delegate recommended:
Inviting more provincial and community media houses
Increasing regional visibility of tourism conferences
Ensuring hard-to-reach areas can access insights, training, and opportunities
These contributions reflected the broader theme of the conference: collaboration, inclusivity, and shared growth.
The insights shared on Day 2 reinforced SATOVITO’s mission to ensure that township and village tourism becomes a strong, sustainable, and proudly South African economic driver — built by the people, for the people.
