It’s her friendly nature, love for the Overberg and her passion for tourism that you first notice when dealing with Frieda Lloyd.
With September being Tourism Month, Hermanus Times decided to find out more about the woman behind tourism in the Overberg.
After eight years at Overstrand Tourism, Lloyd started at Overberg District Municipality as Manager: Local Economic Development, Tourism and Resorts.
“I started this new journey in Tourism Month and I’m looking forward to this new challenge. To be the manager requires a full schedule of activities with an opportunity to engage with the community while exploring every aspect of the Overberg, its hidden gems and world class tourism offerings.”
Having grown up in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, she studied at Stellenbosch University. “With my two sisters, who are also my best friends, we made every weekend a holiday and every excursion a trip.”
Lloyd doesn’t want to be in any other part of the world; for her the Overberg is the ultimate destination. “Vermont has been my home for the past 22 years, and I have made the most amazing friends who inspire me daily. Between the mountains and the ocean there is more than enough to do. Living in Vermont is like living in a postcard. Waking up to the crashing of waves, the crisp ‘champagne’ ocean air and the majestic mountains as a backdrop. It’s a paradise for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.”
She lives life to the fullest, if she is not promoting tourism in the Overberg she enjoys swimming, hiking and reading.
“Swimming is a hobby and an escape. I swim laps in the school pool during the week and in the tidal pools on Saturdays, walk along the Vermont Coastal Path, Hermanus Cliff Path, in Fernkloof Nature Reserve or the Kogelberg Mountains above Kleinmond.
“Food, wine and music are big favourites and fortunately in good supply in our area. I also belong to two book clubs and enjoy taking a good photograph. Then there is visiting friends and family, of which I can never get enough.”
For her, the Overberg has endless potential and is the heartbeat of tourism. “With its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife and rich cultural heritage, the region has immense potential to attract both domestic and international visitors.
“As we continue to focus on sustainable tourism practices, we can ensure that the Overberg remains a pristine and welcoming destination for generations to come. By investing in infrastructure, promoting local businesses, and enhancing our visitor experiences, we can position the Overberg as a leading tourism destination in South Africa.”
Lloyd encourages people to attract tourists to this beautiful region by being welcoming to visitors and greeting everyone (visitors and residents) warmly on the street. “ ‘Groet is ’n moet’. Inspire the world with beautiful images of our area. Be mindful of visitors needing assistance and help out with directions, advice or suggestions.”
It is clear that Frieda lives her motto in life, “wonder more, wander more, live more . . . And with this woman in charge of drawing people to the area, tourism in the Overberg will bloom.
