Background & History

Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism

Introduction and Role
WELCOME TO THE KLCBT

As the official representative body of business and tourism in the Kruger Lowveld (Ehlanzeni District), our main mandates are to promote the region as a tourism and investment destination, to provide a diverse suite of networking and marketing opportunities for our members, and to represent and speak on behalf of the business and tourism community of our area.  We do this by building and maintaining meaningful relationships with all spheres of government as well as likeminded organisations, and by acting as liaison between these entities and the business community.

History

The KLCBT is an amalgamation of Nelspruit Publicity Association (Established 1934), Nelspruit Sakekamer, Nelspruit District Chamber of Commerce and the latest edition is Kruger Lowveld Tourism, the Regional Tourism Organisation and Destination Marketing Organisation for the Kruger Lowveld (Ehlanzeni & Kruger National Park), which was added in 2011.

Structure

For the purpose of a more focused approach in performing our mandates, our organisation has two legs:

• Kruger Lowveld Business

For general business in the Mbombela Local District

• Kruger Lowveld Tourism

For tourism related businesses across the entire Ehlanzeni District

Also the recognised Regional Tourism Organisation for the District

Has 13 Local Tourism Organisations under its umbrella

All these LTO’s as well as the Kruger National Park and surrounding

private reserves are represented in the Committee

Also the destination marketing organisation for the Kruger Lowveld

(Ehlanzeni District, Kruger Park & surrounding reserves)

Leadership

The organisation is a Non Profit Company, registered in 1998

It is governed by a board of 15 volunteers

It is managed by an Executive Director and Chief Operational Officer

They are guided and advised by two management committees, for business and tourism

KEY LEADERS:

Mr Oupa Pilane                  President

Ms Lisa Sheard                   Executive Director, Tourism

Ms Linda Grimbeek          COO

Past. TJ Mare                     Chairperson, Kruger Lowveld Business Committee

Mr John Davies                  Chairperson, Kruger Lowveld Tourism Committee

Our mandate

• Destination Marketing of the Kruger Lowveld
• Comprehensive regional information services out of 4 offices (Nelspruit Head Office, Nelspruit Riverside Mall, White River and Cape Town)
• Free information to visitors and potential visitors (Z-card map, DVD, Daytrips & Attractions booklet, Official Guide to the Kruger Lowveld and krugerlowveld.com
• Providing networking opportunities and daily information service to our members (hosting at least two events per month)
• Continually seeking and providing opportunities and training for SMME’s
• Form strong alliances with likeminded organisations (Currently affiliated to SACCI, AHI, SATSA and FEDHASA and seeking increased affliations)
• Form meaningful and sustainable relationships with all spheres of government (Good relationship with MEC, District LED and Mbombela Local Municipality – in process to sign an MOU between private sector and Mbombela Municipality to form the Mbombela Economic Development Partnership – an NPC which will incubate economic development projects), and all relevant government agencies
• Through our strong relationships and continual engagement, we address key focus areas which are stumbling blocks for development and growth, they are…

Key focus areas identified

• Tourism safety & security
• State of our public attractions in general
• A permanent long term solution for Pilgrim’s Rest
• State of our roads
• Service delivery and relationship with government
• Buy Local
• Water supply to the region
• Anti-Corruption initiatives and promotion of Ethics
• Anti-poaching

Latest Annual Report:

http://klcbt.co.za/annual-report/