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4th KNYSNA TOURISM SMME SHOWCASE BRINGS BUSINESS TOURISM TO THE PEOPLE |
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4th Knysna Tourism SMME Showcase brings Business Tourism to the people
The 4th Knysna Tourism SMME (Small Medium and Micro Enterprises) Showcase was held at and sponsored by the Knysna Square Shopping Centre (Checkers centre) on Friday 11 September.
According to Knysna Tourism CEO Shaun van Eck the showcase was established as a platform for local tourism SMME’s to market their products to the public at large. “Main stream trade shows are geared to serve more established businesses and many SMME’s don’t have the financial means to exhibit at these shows. Not only does the showcase bridge this gap, it also presents the visiting public with the opportunity to learn more about the tourism offerings in the local communities.”
Knysna Tourism Development Officer Glendyrr Fick said that the event has grown since its inception in 2008. “We had 15 participants at the first SMME Showcase in December last year and 18 exhibitors took part on the 11th.” Displays included community caterers, home-stays, self-catering establishments, crafters and community upliftment organisations. “Red Door also took part in this event that presents operators with an excellent networking opportunity,” Fick concluded.
Residents of the greater Knysna area showed great interest and attended the showcase in large numbers. “Knysna is well known for its natural beauty and traditionally leisure activities. The true purpose of this showcase is to inform residents of the wealth of community experiences awaiting them in their own backyard,” van Eck explained. |
