Scheduled from May 9 to 11 2015, at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Center-Durban, over three-days, provincial tourism agencies in SA are gearing up for this exciting but robust gathering of all ‘parties’.
The Gauteng Tourism Authority- the marketing agency of the province-has identified key pillars- such as Township Tourism -to be exhibited as part of increasing the numbers and business opportunities that exist for potential investors.
“By showcasing the good and potential we have in tourism in our townships, we believe we represent our direct response and efforts in joining calls made by the President and Gauteng Premier in reassuring our key travel markets that despite Xenophobic attacks, Gauteng still remains a preferred and lucrative destination for business and leisure tourism with majority of our unique offerings and experiences found in our townships.
“We have over the past days worked hard in assuring that both local and international visitors and trade partners are and feel safe in the country,” commented the pint-sized Barba Gaoganediwe, GTA head of Communications.
GTA will showcase sporting, musical and cultural iconic events and assist those doing packaging to better themselves.
They will also exhibit Tourism SMME’s covering all regions with special focus on Urban Big City Vibe, sprawling neighbourhoods and hidden treasures, renowned heritage and cultural destination and further promote Joburg’s City Sightseeing topless red hot hop on hop off bus, amongst others.
Through the provincial Government’s three-pronged mission Transformation, Modernization and Reindustrialization, the agency seeks to market the province using the following tools at Indaba:
*Step out, Stay Another Day in Gauteng
*Gauteng Township Tourism Experiences, your first hand insight into the golden region
*On the contrary, Gauteng is not just about business, its leisure attractions will blow your mind
* Township tourism businesses are ready to do business
*Considering or planning your next big events, Gauteng has the vibe
The following areas are the first phase township tourism cluster products and experiences identified; Soweto covering the Neighbourhood zones of Vilakazi Street Cluster, Kliptown, Soweto Towers, Wandie’s, Msomi; Alex Neighborhood zone covering Joe’s Butchery, Mandela House, Msomi Gang Heritage, Corner House; Mamelodi Neighborhood zone of Mtswala Pub, Jack Budha, Solomon Mahlangu Memorial Site, Solomon Mahlangu House Museum, Moretele Park, Thibo Cafe, Exclusive Lounge, Gallery Memorial Art; Oriental Plaza Neighborhood zone of Oriental Plaza, Outliers, Cinnamon Palace; Arts on Main and Maboneng Neighborhood, respectively.
Gauteng is the most representative and account to over 55% of all the international arrivals with OR Tambo International Airport serving as the busiest airport in Africa. Ekurhuleni, which is the home to the airport has been identified as the Aerotropolis area.
Tourism provides work for over 200 000 people in Gauteng, which is about 4% of the workforce.
According to Gaoganediwe, South Africa receives over 8 million tourists per annum and over 5.7 million of these come from the African continent, hence the burning issue of Xenophobic was strongly condemned by all and sundry.
Robust debates, interactions, mapping of the controversial NDP and job opportunities will be at the top of agenda over three-days.
