This marks the first time that stakeholders have joined forces to market one of South Africa's game-viewing destinations.
"We are very excited about this project," said Allan Losaba, CEO of North West Parks and Tourism, who has taken up the project as a special assignment from his office. "Combining the marketing forces of all the lodges will ensure coherent messaging and enhance the attraction that Madikwe already holds for tourists and local visitors."
MMAG has identified some priority areas that it intends to address in order to create a clear marketing identity for the reserve.
"We have a lot of plans, a lot of ideas and - luckily - a lot of energy," said Susan Potgieter, chairman of the group's steering committee.
Already the group has developed a short-, medium- and long-term marketing strategy, which will now be implemented.
A new corporate identity for the entire reserve has been implemented and will be used by all the lodges in conjunction with their own individual logos and corporate identities, as well as for initiatives that market the reserve as a whole.
MMAG will also be developing a website that will showcase the beauty and convenience of Madikwe, which is the fourth-largest game reserve in South Africa and regarded as one of the finest conservation areas in Africa.
"We already work together on conservation issues," said Potgieter. "It only makes sense to extend our already active community and work together on marketing our reserve, of which we are justly proud."
The group has also developed a public relations programme to help to publicise some of the community development initiatives that take place in and around the reserve. The PR programme will also highlight everything the reserve has on offer for tourists, including the fact that it is a malaria-free zone and home to one of the largest wild dog populations in Africa.
Monde Kakula, brand manager of the North West Parks and Tourism Board, said that the initiative will bring welcome synergies to participating members. "There is a Tswana saying: kgetsi yatsie ekgonwa kegopatganelwa, which means 'A full bag of locusts is gathered when all work together'. I am sure that, with all of us working together, we will gather a full bag of all of the benefits available to the reserve."
