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Centred at the very heart of South Africa, the Free State offers a plethora of entertainment, explorations, cultural activities and a lot more fun. It is not just a province one passes through, but it has become thee province to go to.
The Provincial Government and the Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism have made strides to revive and reposition the tourism sector of the Free State as a province to go to, not to go through, by exposing and promoting the numerous enticing offerings the province has in the sector.
The Department has strengthened lifestyle tourism, which has a positive impact on township economy, whereby SMME’s enjoy the economic spin-offs from tourism.
To showcase some of the exciting tourism offerings in the Free State, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism will this weekend, 13 to 14 December 2024, host the two days Free State Tourism Saamtrek experience at Kroon Park in Kroonstad.
On the first day, a camping village will be erected to promote and accommodate 40 exhibitors and relevant stakeholders, followed by the Free State tourism product owner’s engagement; speed marketing and match making sessions including Tourism Service Excellence Awards- where 150 guests will be accommodated.
The following day, 14 December 2024, will be open to the public, it will be a day filled with family fun activities such as lifestyle picnic, SMME’s food trucks serving the guests, live music performances from local and national artists, kiddies village, camping experience, target shooting, biker stunts show, quad biking and open-air cinema.
Cooler boxes from the public will be allowed, but glass bottles will not be allowed.
As the Free State is at pains to grow its economy, the tourism activities by the department are at the centre of economic growth and recovery, as SMME’s and tourism products owners from across the province will get an opportunity to showcase their offerings to potential buyers.
“Let’s rethink how we contribute to tourism transformation, because tourism is a significant pillar of the economy with many households depending on it for their livelihoods, therefore, the department will continue to engage in various tourism activities including family lifestyle set up such as tourism Saamtrek to inspire travelling and adventure enthusiasts to visit the Free State.
I therefore urge the people of Moqhaka Local Municipality and surrounding areas to join us at Kroon Park including the travellers and tourists to explore a variety of exciting experiences, attractions, and establishments in the Free State,” said MEC for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism Mr Ketso Makume.
