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Cape Town – South African Tourism is expected to take a hit following the wave of xenophobic attacks that has set back the hard work the country has done to clean up its image as a hub for violent crime - with SA Tourism going to great lengths to reassure delegates attending this year's event in Durban.
In a move to look at workable solutions for the state of tourism across the African continent, Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, will host a Ministerial round table discussion with African Tourism Ministers prior to the official opening of INDABA 2015 in Durban.
Ahead of the anticipated Indaba 2015, Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism, Thulani Nzima said he “wholeheartedly condemned the xenophobic attacks”.
The Mozambique Tourism board has reportedly pulled out of the event which takes place in Durban, due to safety concerns caused by the recent xenophobic attacks.
“It has a negative impact on our country's image as a welcoming tourist destination. As South African Tourism we continue to promote tourism through our warm and welcoming people. We wish to reassure all INDABA delegates and foreign nationals coming into South Africa that our country is safe for you to visit," Nzima said.
"As further testimony to our commitment in strengthening relationships on the African continent, the National Department of Tourism, led by Minister Derek Hanekom, will at this year’s INDABA host Tourism Ministers from the rest of the African continent on Friday the 8th of May 2015, to kick start a Pan-African tourism INDABA 2015."
Themed ‘Africa: Open for Tourism Business’, the session will be chaired by African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, allowing African Ministers and key tourism industry players a platform to discuss and debate the current state of Tourism in Africa, with a view of collectively devising solutions.
"Tour operators, tourism boards and destination marketing organisations from across Africa are confirmed for INDABA 2015, affirming their confidence in the INDABA offer," Nzima said.
Destinations confirmed for the trade show floor are: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, the Comoros, Congo Brazzaville, the DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria and Niger State, Reunion, Rwanda, Senegal, the Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
"I personally extend the hand of friendship to you. I look forward to seeing you next month and showing you the travel and tourism industry and, indeed, the nation that welcomes you; values your contribution and regards you as a friend and partner in growing tourism on our continent," said Nzima.
Click here to see the events programme for Indaba 2015, taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC) from 9 to 11 May.
