As a last thrust to resurrect the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train service, talks are being held with the National Department of Tourism and the IDC.

This is to obtain a multi-party partnership agreement with Transnet and Local Government, said Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism on Tuesday. He was giving a report back to the Cape Town Press Club.

He explained that Transnet recently requested a business scenario from the Western Cape Government which will help Transnet decide if it can transfer the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe rolling stock to a successful operator. "The estimated cost implications are to be finalized. This is a multi-stakeholder arrangement that needs to be defined in order to make it a success. The Department is awaiting a response from Transnet for a formal engagement to explore the multi-party partnership agreement."

Marketing
During his address Winde spoke about the formalising of the incorporation of CTRU in Wesgrow, a public entity that is already responsible for trade and investment promotion.

"This will allow the functions of promoting the Western Cape for tourism, trade and investment promotion to be delivered in a cost efficient and effective manner."

A draft bill would be debated by the affected parties. Thereafter it will be submitted to the Provincial Legislature to follow the formal public participation process. The intended date for it to be promulgated is 1 April 2013.

He also gave un update on the plans for revitalising Kalk Bay, and a tourism route with 16 attractions."

One of the key areas identified for development is that of the False Bay Route between Gordon's Bay and Cape Point which draws in all the coastal and near-coastal black communities along the main road with new participants, especially from among the descendents of those who were expelled from the area under the Group Areas Act."