3. TOURISM : Development of a Nature Reserve Belt

The potential exist of developing a Nature Reserve Belt in the Capricorn DM.

It is proposed that the project consist of three phases:

• Phase 1: Upgrading and renovation of existing reserves
• Phase 2: Development of new Nature Reserves
• Phase 3: Linking of Nature Reserves into Nature Reserve Belt

A Nature Reserve Belt draws more visitors to the area and encourages them to stay longer in the vicinity by linking all Nature Reserves in the District, developing new reserves where feasible, and providing interesting and interactive displays, activities, etc.; which ensures benefits to the local community and preserving heritage resources.

The tourism sector reached an all-time record of 903 million international tourist arrivals in 2007. At the same time, South Africa received a total of 9 million foreign arrivals. About 7.7% of domestic tourists visit the Limpopo Province. The focus should be set on drawing international visitors interested in eco-tourism or nature-based tourism and culture and heritage tourism.

Limpopo’s Tourism Growth Strategy identifies six priority tourism clusters to drive tourism growth in the province. The clusters are:

• Family and recreation
• Mega-conservation
• Safari and hunting
• Golf and game
• MICE (meeting, incentives, conference and events, or business tourism)
• Special interest.

Some of the local municipalities that form part of the tourism region in Capricorn DM is rural and rich in culture thus, highly conducive to rural tourism development. There are no direct competitors in the area, but competitors exist further afield.

The developments proposed and suggestions made will contribute towards the impacts on the local community, environment, etc. The following benefits are discussed briefly:

• Economic benefits (Employment opportunities)
• Social benefits (Upgrade of infrastructure)
• Environmental benefits (Use of natural materials)
• Sustainability benefits (Eco-friendly practices)

Upon developing a Nature reserve belt, the estimated total cost is projected at R85 million.

List of potential national funders:

• DTI
• IDC
• DBSA
• National Empowerment Fund
• DEAT Poverty Relief Fund, etc.

The following opportunities arising from the development of a Nature Reserve Belt were identified:

• Nature-based tourism opportunities
• Eco-tourism
• Opportunities to expand the tourist offerings, improve on infrastructure and improve service levels
• Potential for expansion involving fair trade and local procurement
• Development of hospitality sector
• Cultural tourism
• Opportunity for skills development initiatives
• Transport
• SMME creation
• Opportunities for tourism product development.