Tourism EXCO Re-elected

- Linda Jaquet -

The Prince Albert Tourism Association’s AGM held on 30 July saw members re-elect the 2007/8 Executive Committee (EXCO) for a second year.

Chairperson Bokkie Botha expressed his appreciation for their confidence in the EXCO and said that continuity was essential if the Committee was to achieve the objectives it had set itself at the start of its term.

These included being more member-centred, encouraging all potential members to join the Association and developing sustainable tourism ventures in all sectors of the community.
The other EXCO members are Charles Roux (Vice Chairperson and Marketing), Di Steyn (Development), Mark Steyn (Finances), Mariette van Schalkwyk (Leeu-Gamka) and Jeremy Witts-Hewinson (Klaarstroom).

In his Chairman’s report, Bokkie Botha noted that the Association’s membership had increased over the year from 77 to 89 members and also outlined a subsidised membership plan for the previously disadvantaged active in the tourism sector.

The Municipality had significantly increased its funding for the Tourism Association thanks to the efforts of the former EXCO and information desks were planned for Leeu-Gamka and Klaarstroom.

During the discussion of the Chair’s report, those present expressed dismay at the poor turnout of members at the meeting – 17, including the EXCO members and two Tourism officials – and wondered whether it reflected the lack of seriousness accorded tourism generally in spite of the vital role it plays in the town’s economy.

The EXCO undertook to conduct a survey of the employment and skills development opportunities the tourism sector offers local residents. It would also look seriously this year at participating at INDABA 2009 in Durban in an effort to market Prince Albert more widely in South Africa and abroad.