Small and micro tourism operators across provinces are using the off-peak season to test new ideas, diversify offerings, and strengthen community-based tourism models as the sectors enters the slow season.
In the Free State, Shepherd Tourism Tours managing director Mfundo Ngcangca says the company is deliberately positioning the low season as a period of progress rather than decline. Based in Bloemfontein, the tour operator has introduced guided walking tours in the city during January, targeting niche international visitors, including elderly German tourists.
Ngcangca says Shepherd Tourism Tours is also using discounts and special offers to attract visitors while enhancing the overall tourist experience.
“We are embracing the off-peak as an opportunity for growth and innovation rather than waiting for peak periods,” he said.
At the core of Shepherd Tourism Tours’ approach is a tourism value chain and barrier strategy designed to enhance resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability within the sector. This includes the implementation of responsible, community-based tourism programmes that address social development, environmental integrity, and economic prosperity.
By diversifying its offerings, the business aims to reduce reliance on mass tourism and promote a more balanced tourism model.
Ngcangca believes support from tourism bodies and government entities remains critical during periods of uncertainty. He points to the need for collaboration on initiatives such as cleaning campaigns at tourism hotspots, improved access to shared resources and information, training programmes to upskill operators, and incentives designed to stimulate off-peak travel.
“Partnerships and networking can help ensure continued growth and development, even during slower months,” he said.
Similar strategies are being adopted in Limpopo, where independent provincial tourist guide Gedion Mokwena is focusing on diversification and digital visibility to sustain demand. Mokwena told Vutivi Business News that January presents an opportunity to promote lesser-known attractions and niche experiences across the province.
He has begun targeting local events, cultural festivals, and specialised interests such as birdwatching and stargazing, offering tours in areas such as the Makgabeng Plateau in Blouberg municipality and the Nchabeleng Pitsi waterfall.
“These unique landscapes allow us to attract different groups and create experiences that stand out,” he said.
To expand reach, Mokwena is investing more time in online marketing, using social media platforms to showcase Limpopo’s hidden gems and connect with potential visitors.
He is also partnering with local businesses to create package deals that combine guided tours with bed-and-breakfast stays or farm-to-table experiences.
”However, stronger institutional support would help small operators maximise off-peak opportunities,” Mokwena said.
He further called for more training programmes focused on digital marketing and sustainable tourism practices, as well as financial incentives or dedicated marketing funds to help promote destinations globally.
As tourism SMEs continue to face seasonal fluctuations, operators argue that innovation, collaboration, and targeted support will be key to ensuring that the sector remains resilient beyond the traditional peak travel periods.
