The Hon. Marthinus van Schalkwyk. South Africa Minister of Tourism

South African Tourism hosted a breakfast this morning, announcing monstrous potential to grow their national economy by investing in the burgeoning Australian market.

Lalie Ngozi, general manager of South African Tourism, thanked guests for the opportunity to break bread with the important people responsible for South Africa Tourism’s involvement in the Australian market place.

“Australia has honoured South Africa and we are here to stay,” Ms Ngozi said.

The Republic of South Africa Minister of Tourism, The Hon. Marthinus van Schalkwyk, expressed how important a stake in the Australian market is and that priority must be to develop this long-haul market.

“We take this market very seriously and the support received by the trade has been appreciated.

“Of the outbound market, 1 percent encompasses Australia, which is a good base to grow on,” Mr Schalkwyk said.

Tourism is a primary solution to boost the South African economy.

The government will focus on developing small businesses within the tourism sector; a joint initiative (Tourism Enterprise Program) providing small businesses a chance to break into the market which will in turn help develop rural tourism.

Agents at the trade show wondered how South Africa would remain competitive in terms of price and safety.

“The destination offers value for money and to remain competitive we have introduced many new products to offer any traveller regardless of their budget.
Activity-based Tourism is the direction for 2012 and by attracting the Australian and New Zealand market, we will be focusing on outdoor holidays, golf, hiking and of course the safari,” Mr Schalkwyk said.

Products will be sold around the experience with a variety of inclusions to provide extra value and incentive.

Safety was a hot topic and South African Tourism said it takes the safety of travellers very seriously and addressed this excessively during the World Cup.
“Just like all major cities around the world, there are areas you just do not go but international events have helped maintain our message of that it’s safe to travel,” Ms Ngozi said.

Word of mouth is another initiative South African Tourism is planning to roll-out in Australia throughout 2012.

Launching this week, the new website www.southafricanholidays.com.au will showcase deals and specials, creating a new online platform to the market.

In an exclusive interview with e-Travel Blackboard, The Hon. Marthinus van Schalkwyk shared one of his favourite getaways, the Isi Mangaliso Wetland Park, located north of Durban.

“It’s a sub-tropical paradise. It is absolutely wonderful and the only place you can see elephants on the beach; another example of the unique products on offer in South Africa,” he said.