Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga is to be rejuvenated in an attempt to attract more tourists.
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism launched the project last week.
In his address, Pat Ngomane, MEC of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, said Pilgrim’s Rest was a unique tourist attraction with a rich history as a mining town.
“Pilgrim’s Rest has a rare and potentially highly profitable array of established heritage assets, scenic natural sites, and political and industrial histories that must be preserved for posterity,” he said.
As part of the rejuvenation efforts, the Departments of Economic Development and Tourism and Culture, Sport and Recreation have installed QR codes – digital images containing historical information that can instantly be read using a Smartphone camera. They are available in the buildings in the main street.
WiFi, a Smartphone App and website will all contribute to enhancing visitor experiences.
The project also plans to beautify Pilgrim’s Rest through landscaping, redesigning and upgrading the signage, to increase the visibility of the places of interest.
Ngomane said the electricity network and vacant properties in the town would be upgraded. Eight guest houses have also already undergone major renovations.
