"Tourism is a growth industry which raises our hopes in growing the economy of the country. Together with agriculture, tourism is one of the two pillars of local economic development in the Thulamela municipal area. Unlike other sectors, the growth of tourism benefits people from all walks of life. Tourism benefits all sectors by providing markets to all types of businesses."

This was said by the mayor of Thulamela Municipality, Khosi Thivhulawi Makumbane, when he officially opened the Land of Legend Route Project at the Thohoyandou Town Hall on Tuesday last week.

The Land of Legend Route is based in the heart of the Vhembe District. This region is known as the land of legend because of its rich indigenous heritage and promises to invigorate a sense of mystique and provide an authentic African experience. Travelling on this route offers a chance to explore high mountains, graceful valleys, clear waters and beautiful indigenous forests. This route is part of the Open Africa Project and it was funded by Limpopo LED and the European Union, and supported by the Palabora Foundation.

Mayor Makumbane says the introduction of the route is a bonus to the Thulamela Municipality. "Since the route is a way of linking tourist attractions and facilities, I would like to encourage the communities through which the route goes to co-operate with visitors. Let us treat them with the dignity they deserve. Let us assist them whenever they need our assistance. It is our duty to ensure that the tourists are afforded maximum safety. Tourism is a very sensitive industry. One negative incident can have far-reaching negative effects, with the results that the number of visitors in our industry can be drastically reduced. We must thus guard ourselves against these negative effects."

Makumbane called upon different stakeholders to join hands in the development of tourism. "I call upon all stakeholders in the tourism industry to join hands in seeing to it that tourism grows. Tourism is mainly about information; as a result of lack of information and publicity, some tourist attractions are very dormant and unattractive. As such, the information pertaining to our tourist attractions is vital for their survival. Natural and heritage resources, such as Domba, Tshikona, Tshigombela, Muchongolo, Makhwaya and Xitzaitzai are very important tools to entertain and attract tourists in our area. They form the basis of our tourist attractions, and must be preserved and improved."

* Participants in the route include Avkhom Hotel, Bourgainvilla Lodge, Fig Tree Lodge, For A Change Hotel, Great North Cultural Tours, Muofhe Graceland, Sedzazwau Lodge, Thohoyandou Protea Hotels, Thukhutha Tourism and Botanical Gardens, Vhueni Village Lodge, Budo Cultural Clothing, Copacopa Luxury Lodge, Golwe Eco-Tourism Cooperative, Karel Ngigideni Primary Cultural Group, Khavhambe Primary Cultural Group, Limpopo Tourism and Parks, Mc Vitt, Mphephu Protea Hotels, Muanalo Mashudu, Muribani Tourism Centre, Nandoni Game Park, Nwanedi Protea Hotels, Pafuri Youth Cultural Village, Tshidzini Diimiseni Cultural Group, Tshivhase Tourism Camp and Vhuimo Tourism Business Prospects.