Local small businesses are hoping the new Thembisile Hani Tourism Route will translate into more than increased visibility – they want more customers, bookings and sales.
Once launched, the route will connect accommodation establishments, restaurants, cultural attractions, craft producers and other tourism businesses across the municipality.
For SMMEs, the opportunity lies in turning tourist movement into local economic activity. By connecting businesses to attractions, the route could encourage visitors to stay longer, eat locally, buy locally produced goods and use services offered by small businesses.
Thandi Mokoena, owner of Skhulile guesthouse, said increased visitor traffic could help small operators grow.
“Our biggest challenge is getting people to know about us. If the route brings more visitors into the area and they can easily find our accommodation, we could see an increase in bookings,” Mokoena said.
However, she said inclusion in the route would not automatically guarantee business growth.
“We need proper marketing, and we need tourists to come through our doors. For us, success will be measured by bookings and income, not just being part of the route,” she said.
Visitor spending could benefit multiple businesses
The potential benefits extend beyond accommodation. Restaurants, transport operators, tour guides and craft businesses could also benefit if visitors spend within the municipality.
Sipho Ndlovu, who runs GoodLuck fast food business, said tourism could create a wider economic chain for SMMEs.
“A visitor may come for an attraction, but they also need food, refreshments and other services. If we can get those visitors to spend locally, several small businesses can benefit from the same tourist,” said Ndlovu.
The route could give craft producers access to customers they might otherwise struggle to reach.
Nomsa Dlamini, a local craft producer, said tourism could create an alternative market for her products.
“We struggle to reach customers outside our immediate community. Tourists allow us to sell directly and introduce our products to people who may never have found us otherwise,” said Dlamini.
Turning tourism exposure into revenue
The Thembisile Hani Local Tourism Organisation (THLTO) said connecting businesses is intended to strengthen the local tourism value chain.
THLTO representative Johannes Ntshwane said the aim is to ensure tourism spending reaches businesses operating within the municipality. “We want visitors to experience more than one attraction. When they stay longer and use local services, there is a greater opportunity for SMMEs to benefit economically.”
For Thembisile Hani’s SMMEs, the real test now begins whether the route can turn tourist interest into actual customers, increased sales and sustainable business income.
