The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Pat Ngomane, made headlines for a rather odd statement at the Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience on Sunday, November 29.
He reportedly said in order for people to travel more, they should have more lovers.
‘It’s something where everyone [not only international tourists] can visit these destinations. Even your boyfriends visit them. If you have one try to have two visits, you’re promoting domestic tourism,’ Ngomane said – according to The South African.
After a somewhat mixed reaction from the audience, Ngomane quickly backtracked on his comment. He went on to clarify that he did not mean people should go out and look for another partner, instead they should visit their partners or friends in other provinces more often.
‘I didn’t mean that you must have multiple partners, but have one partner and more friends so that you can visit them because by doing that you will be promoting domestic tourism,’ he said. ‘I’m not talking about cheating, I have 10 friends and one wife!’
While authorities are encouraging South Africans to travel locally, certain parts of the country are experiencing a resurgence in COVID-19 infections. The Garden Route has received a hotspot alert recently, following a sharp rise in active cases and authorities are concerned that stricter preventative measures will negatively impact tourism in the Western Cape.
Picture: Twitter/@Tourism_gov_za
