Big Tree project to boost tourism
One of the gems of the Garden Route and a major tourist attraction in the Tsitsikamma area, the Garden Route National Park's Big Tree, was relaunched by Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane last week following a closure of almost three years. The opening of the tourist attraction to the public formed part of Kubayi-Ngubane's tourism revival campaign whereby she visited tourist attractions across the country as part of national Tourism Month in September. This year's theme is Tourism and Rural Development.
The Department of Tourism spent R17million on upgrading the facilities around the 1 000-year-old Outeniqua yellowwood tree, which is 40m high and has a circumference of 9m. The project included the addition of bulk services like water and electricity to the area as well as a coffee and curio shop to add to visitors' experience. The area had been closed for an extended period due to inaccessibility as a result of roadworks in the area.
The department's Dr Thabo Manetsi said at the event that before the department stepped in, the "rudimentary structures" at the Big Tree were not suitable for visitors. He said while the Covid-19 pandemic had a devastating effect on tourism, it gave the department time to prepare for a recovery plan - including projects like the
Big Tree. The upgrade of the facilities form part of the department's strategy of creating global products that would enhance visitor experience and boost tourism.
The funds were made available by the department, but SANParks provided the land and were the implementers of the project.