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Free State announces plans to revive provincial tourism industry

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The Free State government has announced that it plans to revive the tourism industry in the province. Tourism contributes R3.1 billion to the provincial gross domestic product.

The tourism sector was adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic and the resultant nationwide lockdown.

The Free State tourism industry is expected to be abuzz with activities after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the easing of lockdown regulations which also cater for the tourism sector.

The picturesque golden mountain in the Eastern Free State is usually frequented by international tourists. Those who love horse riding, camping and cave picnics this is the place to be.

Some of the tourists are happy to see the beauty of nature.

“I am happy to be here to view the beautiful mountains. This lockdown really changed things but I’m happy that things are getting back to normal,” says one tourist.

“It’s a beautiful view, I love nature. So what I am seeing here is breathtaking,” says another tourist.

The Free State government says it’s working round the clock to revive the tourism sector:

Provincial Economic Development Spokesperson, Kgotso Tau, says the value chain of tourism is now open to those who love nature.

“The tourism contributes R3.1 billion to the GDP of the province and you would remember that we actually attract 1.1 million international visitors to the Free State. And that is quite a sizable amount of expenditure or revenue and in it, we have got a situation where we want to promote the length of night stay. People should not come to the Free State for just one day and pass,” says Tau.

Tourists are also happy that they will celebrate Heritage Month with their families by touring the country without COVID-19 strict regulations.

Department of Tourism is implementing Tourism Recovery Plan:

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