New Dinosaur Centre Set to Revive Free State Tourism
South African travel professionals have a new attraction to promote: the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre. Set to open next week in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, this cutting-edge facility promises to be a game-changer for tourism in the eastern Free State province.
The centre is the result of a partnership between the Department of Tourism and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. A recent Memorandum of Understanding between the two departments paved the way for the development of this innovative project, securing R120 million in funding from the European Union.
The Kgodumodumo Centre is poised to become a flagship attraction, offering visitors a unique blend of scientific discovery and cultural heritage. The centre will showcase a globally significant paleontological find: the oldest known dinosaur embryos. Interactive exhibits will bring scientific knowledge to life, covering paleontology, archaeology, and geology, while also celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Managed by South African National Parks (SANParks), the centre is expected to significantly boost tourism in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The facility is designed to enhance visitor experiences, offering a range of amenities including a reception area, lecture halls, exhibition spaces, a coffee shop, and dedicated children’s activity areas. The development also includes upgraded infrastructure such as parking, utilities, and improved access to the park.
The centre’s focus on interactive learning and scientific discovery is expected to draw a wider range of visitors, including families, educational groups, and international tourists. This increased traffic is projected to boost bed occupancy within the park and stimulate demand for related tourism services in the surrounding area.
The Department of Tourism emphasizes the centre’s potential to drive local economic development and job creation. The project has already provided training opportunities for local tourist guides, who will graduate as part of the centre’s launch celebrations. The centre is also expected to generate new employment opportunities in hospitality, retail, and tourism services, benefiting communities in the eastern Free State.
The official launch will be led by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and Environment Minister Dion George. The event will mark a significant milestone for the Free State’s tourism sector, showcasing the province’s commitment to innovation, conservation, and sustainable development.
The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre is more than just a museum; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and investment in creating world-class tourism experiences. By combining scientific discovery with cultural heritage and interactive learning, the centre is poised to become a major drawcard for visitors to the Free State, contributing to the province’s economic growth and showcasing South Africa’s rich paleontological heritage.
The projected economic impact of the centre is substantial. Based on regional tourism patterns and conservative estimates, the centre could attract over 92,000 visitors annually, generating more than R32 million in revenue. More optimistic projections suggest annual visitor numbers could exceed 104,000, with a corresponding revenue boost of over R36 million. This financial injection would significantly benefit the local economy and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the park.
The centre’s development aligns with broader trends in global dinosaur tourism. Similar attractions worldwide, such as the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Canada and the Zigong Dinosaur Museum in China, have proven highly successful in attracting visitors and boosting regional economies. The Kgodumodumo Centre is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this growing interest in paleontology and offer a world-class experience that rivals these international counterparts.
The opening of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre marks a new chapter for tourism in the Free State. This innovative project not only showcases South Africa’s remarkable paleontological heritage but also demonstrates the potential of tourism to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance local communities. Travel agents across Africa can leverage this exciting new attraction to create unique and educational travel itineraries, contributing to the continued growth of South Africa’s vibrant tourism sector.
