Qalinge made the remarks during the Tourism Month Media Launch<\/strong> at Bakgatla Resort<\/strong> in Pilanesberg, hosted by the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) on Tuesday, September 15. The launch was held under the theme \u201cDigital and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism\u201d<\/strong>, placing technology and AI at the centre of discussions on the province\u2019s tourism sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Qalinge outlined the gambling sector\u2019s role in tourism and entertainment while emphasising the need for effective regulation. He identified player protection and safer gambling measures as key priorities, including support for people affected by gambling-related problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The discussion comes as the North West tourism sector looks at how AI and digital technology can improve services for visitors and support businesses. In her keynote address, MEC Bitsa Lenkopane<\/strong> identified tourism as an important economic sector supporting livelihoods across the province. She also called for greater adoption of digital technology and artificial intelligence to strengthen the sector, improve visitor experiences and help tourism businesses operate more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The North West is home to gambling venues that form part of the province\u2019s broader tourism infrastructure, contributing to the local economy alongside hospitality, entertainment and other tourism-related businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The growing use of digital technology in tourism also creates new considerations for gambling regulators, particularly around consumer protection and responsible gambling. For the NWGB, this means maintaining regulatory safeguards while working with tourism stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The regulator said its participation in the event reflected its focus on collaboration and supporting a safe, inclusive and innovative tourism sector in the North West Province.<\/p>\n\r\n\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/map-africa-black-background-polygonal-network-connections-ai-generated_877188-1045-300x200.jpg\")
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