POST Covid changes within tourism sector continues to adjust and transform.
In Soweto, one of the biggest township’s in the world- is not being forgotten, thanks to the visionary Kgomotso Pooe, the brains behind City Sightseeing and Soweetoo.
Known for pushing that envelope, ‘Tso’ as he’s known in the industry launched his latest Hop On- Hop Off tour bus and new routes with key stakeholders and members of the press at the prestigious FNB Stadium- Hall of Fame, on Tuesday morning.
“This event marks a significant moment in our journey of transformation and growth, highlighting new routes, added bus stops, and our commitment to re-aligning lines of communication with stakeholders.
The stakeholder engagement event serves as a crucial milestone for City Sightseeing and Soweto. At the heart of this event is the unveiling of our exciting new route, representing an important expansion in our network. We look forward to sharing the details of this addition and how it will enhance our passengers’ experiences,” says the award winning entrepreneur Pooe.
Covid-19 did propel me, and the team to think out the box, and today, although it took long to finally get all the ducks in the row, we ‘re proud of our desired outputs, he told this reporter aboard open bus en-route to Soweto, to the Calabash- as FNB Stadium is known- the fifth largest stadia in the world.
City Sightseeing and Sowetoo serves as a reminder of the exciting journey’s that await our passengers, continued Pooe, as the sweltering heat took a toll on guests, having hopped-on the bus at Rosebank- City Sightseeing office.
We took a turn at SA’s first democratically elected President’s residency Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, in Houghton, that was teeming with tourists along the street and on-lookers waving.
Upon arrival at the stadium- that was quite as opposed to the camaraderie and palpable excitement associated with it during soccer or music concerts, we were ushered into the Hall of Fame adorned with images of previous and current soccer players Steve ‘Kalamazoo’ Mokone, Golf legend Gary Player, and current rugby player preparing for a final against NZ on Saturday in France, Eben Etzberth and others.
Upon having a chat with Eugene Lewis- Hall of Fame CEO- he confirmed on good authority they will be inducting Kaizer Chiefs’ supremo Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung into the Hall of Fame soon.
According to Tso– the fundamental message be it local or international guest- is to change the narrative that if you miss a bus, another one is coming, that is our key message going forward as we transform, adapt and adopt within this thriving sector, that continues to create millions of job opportunities worldwide.
“We’re global players, hence the City Sightseeing can now be found internationally”, he quipped boastingly, during his address to guests.
Pooe also used to operate Soweto Outdoor Adventures.
Inside The Hall of Fame- are virtual reality experiences and sport simulator experiences, amongst others.
All images Jacob MAWELA (City Sightseeing and Soweetoo owner Kgomotso “Tso” Pooe addressing guests aboard the bus en-route to FNB Stadium at the launch on Tuesday).
Barba Gaoganediwe, spokesperson for Gauteng Tourism Authority, said as the agency they will lend support and play its role in making sure the brand City Sightseeing does grow beyond the borders of SA.
In a tongue- in-cheek, he pointed out the stadium should only host major games and finals, just like at Wembley Stadium, a jibe directed towards Kaizer Chiefs, who are residents at the 94 000 seater.
