This is the opinion of several members of the Free State business community.

According to Garth Brook, business owner and editor of Speckled Bean Magazine in Clarens, municipalities play a critical role in boosting local economic development through the establishment of tourism information offices. They serve as essential hubs for promoting local attractions, providing valuable information, and supporting businesses dependence on tourism revenue.

Garth Brook. Photo supplied

Municipalities must allocate resources, staff, and fund these centres as part of their developmental mandate, he said. “Municipalities are encouraged to create tourism information offices to enhance economic growth. These offices act as gateways for visitors, offering insights into the area’s culture, heritage, and recreational activities.”

Sustainable funding models are also necessary to ensure these centres operate effectively. Municipalities must employ trained personnel who can provide accurate maps, guides, and event schedules, he said.

Training programmes should be prioritised to guarantee professionalism and service excellence. Furthermore, municipalities must pay monthly salaries to retain skilled staff and ensure operational consistency, said Brook.

Economic Development, Tourism and Finance MEC Toto Makume recently admitted that the Free State cannot realise its ambition to boost its tourism sector – on which many households depend – while local municipalities fail to deliver basic services.

“Whether we like it or not, you can’t have a tourist who is visiting an area, and the following day he or she can’t take a bath because either the water is cold or there’s no water at all,” he said.

Tourism information offices should focus on marketing local attractions. Photo: Facebook/Susan Maré

Brooks advised that tourism information offices should focus on marketing local attractions, events, and accommodation. “They should work closely with local businesses and tour operators to maximise promotional efforts and economic impact.”

Collaborations with provincial tourism bodies, national agencies, and private investors are essential to enhance visibility and resource sharing. Offices should be strategically located in high-traffic areas and offer multilingual services to cater to diverse tourists. By investing in tourism information offices, municipalities can drive economic growth, create jobs, and solidify their regions as must-visit destinations, Brook said.

OFM News/Susan Maré cg