The Free State Tourism Department says it plays an important role in driving the province’s economy.

The department celebrated the start of its tourism campaign at the Gariep Dam Open Park in the Xhariep District yesterday.

Motorists drive through the Free State when visiting other provinces like the Eastern Cape and Western Cape.

Some motorists use the provincial capital Bloemfontein as a stopover to break lengthy trips or to take a body break.

However, the department’s MEC Ketso Makume says the province has so much more to offer.

“Part of reconciliation is to ensure that we bring everyone together and that is why Xhariep was our choice because we all know that it’s mainly dominated by their races. So, we picked Xhariep to say let’s come and celebrate with them. Let’s come and enjoy with the Xhariep people so I will be with them through and through just celebrating.”

 Free State tourism campaign goes to Gariep Dam