Blaney (H15)

Name:Blaney

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Three rail corridors in Eastern Cape full steam ahead

Port Elizabeth, Alicedale and Addo have been identified as the most promising Eastern Cape rail tourism corridors in a study commissioned by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and Department of Roads and Transport.

The study, commissioned in early 2008, also identifies a further four inter-city rail corridors, namely the East London-Bethulie, Cookhouse-Blaney junction, New Brighton-Vondeling and Amabele-Mthatha corridors.

ECDC regional head Ken Bern explains that the intention is that a large proportion of the half-million international visitors are looking for a holiday which offers scenic beauty, excursions offering unique local experiences, high quality scenery, as well as authentic or vintage décor. Currently the total value of the international market’s spend in 2006 was R4.3-billion, an increase from R3.8-billion in 2005.
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/news/314093.htm


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Other:Bern explains: 'Across the board, whether it is the Blue Train, Rovos Rail, trains in Australia, Canada or UK, the number of passengers using rail transport is on the increase. For example, Eurail Group reported a worldwide increase in EurailPasses sales of 24% in 2004 and 18% in 2006.'

However, there are challenges which need to be addressed if rail tourism is to be pursued in the province. These include a shortage of locomotives, the availability of passenger rolling stock, access agreements for private enterprises for rail usage, the uncertain future of state-subsidised rail tourism enterprises and limitations with regard to steam train operations.

In its heyday, the then South African Railways, apart from being the largest freight hauler in the country, provided affordable, safe and reliable public transport to both long-distance travellers and daily commuters.

Enthusiasm for this tourism initiative is also borne out by local rail operators such as Johan Minnaar, William Luckoff and later Charles Kingwill, who established the Karoo Railway Safari 10 years ago, believe their 'sleepy Karoo valley, with its solitude and natural beauty, is a wonderful experience which should be shared!'

Their planned rail-based venture will take tourists from Bethesda Road to Lootsberg (northwards) and Nieu Bethesda, to a farm a few kilometres outside of Graaff-Reinet, an area described by a top railway official as the second most picturesque scenery in South Africa.

For more information contact:

Pierre Leppan
Tel.: +27 43 743 5600
Email: pleppan@ecdc.co.za
Website: www.ecdc.co.za