Sixties Festival, now in its third year

Phumi Dhlomo, regional director for Africa and Domestic at South African Tourism understands the importance of supporting events which assist in inspiring South Africans to travel their country. "We have to realise that South Africans love to travel for events, be it music, culture or sports. Our job, as Sho't Left, is to make sure these travellers explore the total experience offered by the destination, taking a Sho't Left between shows to see the sights, have a great meal or indulge their adventurous side with an adrenalin activity."

The Sixties Festival events do not just draw local revellers - records drawn from border posts between South Africa and both Swaziland and Mozambique, have demonstrated an increase of over 30% in arrivals over the Sixties Festival weekend as South Africa's neighbours join the festivities.

Big names on the line-up

Big names on the festival line-up include, Vinny da Vinci, Glen Lewis, Fistaz Mixwell, T'bo Touch, DJ Sbu, Lulo Café, Mahoota vs Vetkuk, DJ Tira, Teargas, Zakes Bantwini, Theo Kgosinkwe, Liquideep and Bra Hugh Masekela.

With domestic tourism's importance under the spotlight as the country celebrates Tourism Month, events such as Sixties Festival go a long way to aiding the growth of the local tourism industry. More than 145 jobs were created specifically for the Sixties Festival in 2010, increasing local skills and development and building on the country's potential to continue hosting successful events with both national and international appeal.

"What remains key to ensuring the sustainable success of events such as the Sixties Festival, is to ensure that it is made accessible to more South Africans," adds Dhlomo. "A bespoke travel package has been designed which will see to it that the event remains an affordable getaway."