KEVIN MAYHEW LESOTHO RECENTLY established a dedicated Tourism Authority that is to oversee development of this sector in the scenic but hardy country with its abundance of water for tourism attractions. Already plans are underway for a major revamp of two lodges on the way to the giant Khatse Dam. This refurbishment will inject millions into the freight industry as the necessary products for the revamps will be shipped in from South Africa which will also be the source for the functioning facilities’ on-going needs. Once established, stronger air links will be necessary to ferry predominantly South African and international visitors to the venues which will cater for conferences and tourists. At least two freight forwarders in Lesotho said they had been asked to quote on a major project but its true nature remained undefined. There is also strong rumour of a high profile signature golf course. This will provide added attraction to the lodges and any further development designed to leverage the tourism potential of the huge dam. High class golf courses are long term and major financial input projects – up to half a billion rand can be spent to establish a world class course. Projects of this nature are import intensive and this too should provide a fillip to freight and local employment.
