POLOKWANE - The Limpopo Government says the tourism industry here is ready to move on to greater things, now that the province is firmly entrenched as a leading eco-tourism destination.

MEC for Finance and Economic Development Thaba Mufamadi was speaking here on the eve of the province's Tourism Summit - the second of a series of conferences aimed at addressing the question of un-employment in the region.

Last week, a Mining Summit was held in Polokwane, and a similar event for the agricultural sector has been scheduled for next week.

Mufamadi envisaged that Limpopo could now become a competitive role-player in the international tourism market, but pointed out that it would involve hard work and aggressive steps to address certain short-comings.

He pointed out that the province got a taste of the real thing three years ago, when there was a huge influx of foreign visitors during the solar eclipse. It was clear at the time, however, that the province was short of qualified tour guides, and that its people needed to be made aware of the importance of welcoming strangers.

"We have been working hard on these aspects, and are closing the gaps that still exist," he explained.

According to the Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board, job creation has not kept pace with the rapid growth of the tourism industry, and the Summit will seek to address the reasons for this anomaly.

Limpopo Premier Mr Sello Moloto will open the conference, and Ms Cheryl Carolus, CEO of SA Tourism, will be the keynote speaker. She is expected to refer to global tourism trends, and to highlight the progress made with the implementation of the country's national tourism growth strategy.

The summit coincides with national tourism month, and also takes place against the background of the province's hosting of the country's national celebration of World Tourism Day later this month. - BuaNews