Building a Stronger Community Among Makhanda’s Homestay Operators
Monday, 10th February 2025
The Makhanda Homestay Experience has recently started its journey as a catalyst for local cultural tourism, offering visitors authentic, community-based accommodation options that not only enhance their travel experience but also drive the local economy.
A recent meeting held on January 31, 2025, brought together homestay operators from across Makhanda to discuss collaboration, shared growth, and how to continue expanding the impact of the programme. Empowering Local Operators Through Collaboration At the heart of the meeting, Makana Tourism Chairperson Aldwoath Meyer welcomed the attendees, stressing the significance of the Makhanda Homestay Experience in providing local households with the opportunity to host tourists while promoting the region’s rich culture. He urged operators to join Makana Tourism, which offers a range of support services, including marketing and listing benefits to help them grow their businesses. “By working together, homestay operators can significantly improve the guest experience and create a sustainable source of income for their households,” Meyer explained.
Training and Resources for Continued Growth
Sino Duda, Homestay Liaison for Makana Tourism, shared exciting news about upcoming training sessions to build on the success of 2023’s initiatives. These training opportunities will help operators sharpen their skills in areas such as hospitality, guest relations, and marketing. In addition to training, Ms. Duda introduced a new township-based satellite office, which will offer local operators’ easy access to advisory services and ongoing support. This office will serve as a hub for resources, further empowering operators to grow their businesses.
Sharing Success Stories and Overcoming Challenges
The meeting also showcased inspiring stories of success. Faith Ngandi, one of the standout homestay operators, shared her journey to winning the "Most Organized Homestay" award, which she attributed to excellent guest feedback and attention to detail. Her story is a testament to how dedication to customer satisfaction can lead to great rewards. Addressing Operators' Concerns Several operators raised pertinent questions during the session. Sonwabo Mani enquired about how security issues could be addressed, while Nothando Ntshangase asked about signage for homestays. The consensus was that these concerns could be tackled by Makana Tourism with support from raised Provincial Forums under Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency and Sarah Baartman District Municipaity, where solutions like community-appointed tourism monitors could be explored.
Leveraging Local Events to Boost Visibility
Ngandi also suggested homestay operators capitalize on Makhanda’s many local events, such as the annual Methodist Convention, music and school sports festivals, to market their businesses. With these events bringing in large numbers of visitors, they present an excellent opportunity for operators to increase bookings and enhance the visibility of their homestays.
Moving Forward
Building a Collaborative Future Tumelo Tladi, Makana Tourism’s Training Consultant, concluded the meeting by emphasizing that capacity building will be a top priority in the coming months. Operators were encouraged to stay connected for further updates on the launch of upcoming collaborative events. “The future of Makhanda’s homestay programme is bright,” Tladi said. “By working together and sharing resources, we can elevate the experience for both operators and guests alike.”
Join the Makhanda Homestay Community
Homestay operators who are not yet part of Makana Tourism are encouraged to join, as the platform offers a wealth of resources and support that can help take their businesses to the next level. With the help of Makana Tourism and the collaborative spirit among operators, Makhanda is poised to become a premier destination for tourists seeking authentic, community-based experiences. The success of the Makhanda Homestay Experience lies in the strength of the community it fosters. By supporting one another, referring guests when fully booked, and tapping into local marketing opportunities, homestay operators are shaping a brighter future for cultural tourism in Makhanda.
For more information on joining the Makhanda Homestay Experience and upcoming training opportunities, email Makana Tourism on marketing@grahamstown.co.za or call 046 622 3241.
