Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) is entrusted by the government to promote Lesotho as a unique travel destination locally, regionally and internationally. In pursuit of its mandate the corporation saw it prudent to collaborate with Alliance Insurance Group in marketing tourism in the country. Alliance Insurance Group coined a campaign dubbed “ Ke Lapeng” which harmonize with LTDC’s domestic drive under the mantra “ Visit Your Country First’’ The two entities agreed that the landmark frames be erected near renowned attractions throughout the country.
The first land mark frames were constructed near the iconic Qiloane Mountain and Thaba Bosiu Fortress and were officially launched few weeks back by LTDC and Alliance. As a result, LTDC organized a sensitization campaign for neighboring villages of Thaba Bosiu on the 9th June, 2023 to raise awareness to villagers on the significance of land mark frames.
Invited to the meeting include area Chief of Thaba Bosiu- Chief Makotoko Theko, Councilor of Qiloane ED -Mr. Mojaki Moqalane, Chairperson of Land Allocating Authority – Mr. Seabata Phenethi, Assistant Physical Planner- Ms. Tanki Mokoma from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Representatives from Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports, Arts, Culture and Social Development and LTDC, village chiefs and villagers of surrounding villages.
During the dialogue the Public Relations Officer of LTDC Mr. Molapo Matela said the Land Mark Frames draw tourists to the grandiose attractions and create a wondrous feeling when viewing these gems.
“The land marks frames serve to arouse interest in the culture and heritage of Basotho to tell stories about events that unfolded in the past,” stated the PRO.
“Landmarks create opportunities for host community to come up with activities that can elongate tourists stay and also entertain them during their visit, thus, this will in turn generate income for their households,” averred Mr. Matela.
Matela advised the host community to form business networks with neighboring accommodation facilities and tour operators and rationalize that that this effort will improve tourism value chain.
“I sincerely appeal to the community of Thaba Bosiu to take care of landmark frames and stay in good condition and attractive so that it becomes an enthralling asset that will be used by future generation, “pointed out Mr. Matela.
“You are fortunate to reside in one of the iconical places in Lesotho that is endowed with breathtaking attractions and LTDC -Tourist Information Centre in your area can assist in promoting these places of interest,” Mr. Matela highlighted.
“The world has become a global village and the Youth can utilize social media platforms to showcase the jaw dropping attractions and activities that will lure travelers to visit and experience the gorgeous landscape of the Kingdom in the Sky,” added Mr. Matela.
Speaking at the event the Cultural officer – Mr. Leqaphela Liphoto in the Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports, Arts, Culture and Social Development mentioned that Thaba Bosiu fortress is a place where Basotho nation was united as one nation and was declared a National Monument in 1967.
Mr. Liphoto lambastered the unbecoming behavior of some members of the community of vandalizing tombstone of King Moshoeshoe. “I am also saddened by conduct of some religious practitioners of stealing sand and lighting of candles on top of Thaba Bosiu plateau to perform religious rituals which often cause fire and wreck damage on significant historical reminiscence like trees and huts dwelled by our ancestors,” highlighted an overseer of Thaba Bosiu fortress.
Speaking at the event, a member of Tourism Development Trust (TDT) Mrs. ‘Mateboho Hlehisi explained that LTDC embarked on a sensitization campaigns and encouraged community to form tourism interest groups on which they have passion. “Interested community members were later equipped with training on a chosen field of interest which entails rural homestays, tour guides and artisans,” says Mrs. Hlehisi.
On the same occasion another member of TDT Mrs. ‘Mampho Hlehlisi indicated that the corporation took them on a study tour to Mokhotlong to get a practical experience on how the rural homestay operate, and she commended LTDC for encouraging them to engage in tourism income generating projects that seeks to improve livelihood of the people.
The Councilor of the Qiloane Electoral Division (ED) and also a member of TDT Mr. Mojaki Moqalane applauded LTDC for assisting in the formation of (TDT) which main purpose is to foster tourism development in the Thaba Bosiu constituency. “The Trust represents various tourism interest groups in the area and welcomes any suggestions that can be used to improve tourism,” says the Councilor.
“Today we can optimistically reveal the strides shown by LTDC of creating jobs through tourism, five young men and women are employed as site guides in the area and this is a testimony that the corporation is determined to improve the livelihood of the community through tourism,” says Mr. Mojaki.
“I encourage the youth to enter into tour operation business which includes arranging activities that appeal to the specific target of tourists and transport them to various alluring attractions.
“It is important for a tour operator to be knowledgeable in putting together an experience that will create memories to last a lifetime since the travelers would talk positively and encourage friends and family to visit Lesotho,” emphasized Mr Mojaki.
“The TDT has discovered caves at Ha Tšoeunyane, Ha Makhoathi and also a place called “Lefika Lea Bua” and these places have rich history and needs to be promoted, and tourists be taken on a tour to these attractions,” expounded the Councilor.
Speaking at the event, Assistant Physical Planner from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police based in Qiloane Community Council pleaded with the community to refrain from erecting any new structures near the land mark frames. Ms. Mokoma further advised that the council will guide interested parties on proper procedures to be followed in acquiring a site.
“Houses have been build and have cropped up near the iconic Qiloane Mountain and if these structures are not stopped will spoil the beauty of this important magnetism which motivated the creation of Mokorotlo hat,” Finalized Ms. Mokoma.