Tourism Think Tank members re-energized

Collaboration was well and truly cemented as the second day of talks drew to a close.  Day two had great discussions around Safety and Security, and its incredible success story in Mpumalanga—this should be used as a    campaign to restore our reputation!  The funding crisis remains—all are  encouraged to join in the fundraising and find budget in the different       government departments to secure the R10 million we need for the next 18 months.  The second part of the day was about research and marketing.  We agreed that a monthly statistics report should be shared for all to use and universities will add meat to the basic available statistics.  The issues around bidding for certain large conferences as well as the criteria and   policy formulation around funding of events, were discussed. Finally the marketing strategy was brought up and needs to be developed into a      detailed plan for our own province’s travelers, domestic visitors, regional visitors and international visitors, as well as a brand strategy and plan.   Kruger National Park turns 100 Years next year on 31 May 2026—we should use that to anchor our campaigns.  A 100 years of marketing road trips…. Carry on Trippin’!  This discussion will continue on 2 December in preparation for the MTPA’s interim board strategic workshop. Thank you all!