Northern Cape business to get boost from Astro-Tourism
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Tourism operators in the Northern Cape hope to capitalise on South Africa’s Astro-Tourism strategy.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande jointly launched the programme at Carnarvon to mark World Tourism Day.
The Astro-Tourism strategy aims to take advantage of towns like Carnarvon with a small population and low pollution levels to draw tourists.
Six Astro guides have so far been trained to show tourists the night skies and narrate the stories of their forefathers’ astronomy beliefs.
With the Square Kilometre Array being built in the area, it’s hailed as the perfect mix of science and tourism. The authorities want small towns, usually overlooked by international tourists, to benefit.
Science and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande says the towns identified will see infrastructure development undertaken soon. These include roads and tourism facilities.
South Africa will compete against Chile and Australia in terms of Astro-Tourism offerings.
Northern Cape eyes Astro-tourism boom:
