Streektoerismebeplanning in die Vrystaat

Abstract

Regional economic activities in the Free State are largely based on slow growing industries. Available re­sources for broadening the economic base of the Free State indicate limited potential in each of the various sectors of the economy of the province. In global terms tourism is experienced as an industry which can have an important impact on the economic growth and development of countries and regions. The question arises whether tourism can also be utilised as a factor for improving the economic growth and development potential of the Free State. Up to date the tourist industry in the Free State cannot be regarded as a factor that has any real impact on the economy of the province. The most important reason for this is the lack of a strategic plan to serve as a guideline for marketers, developers and other roleplayers.
Growth scenarios which have been developed indicate that the tourist industry in the Free State has the potential to stimulate the regional economy to a significant extent. The Free State possesses sufficient tourist attractions and supporting facilities to serve as a basis for the promotion of the local tourist industry. Against this background, the primary purpose of this article is to indicate which steps must be taken by regional tourism organisations in order to ensure a full exploitation of the tourist industry of the Free State in such a manner that the province will derive maximum economic benefit from it.
*This article is written in Afrikaans.