In a first for the Southern African region, the province of KwaZulu-Natal, (South Africa) together with Swaziland and Mozambique will on Monday, 26 September 2011 launch a cross-border tourism initiative which will see the people of these countries celebrating the Tourism Month together.
The glittering launch will be attended by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu, Minister of Tourism from Swaziland, Mr Macford Sibandze and the Minister of Tourism from Mozambique Mr Fernando Sumbana Junior.
The cross-country tourism celebrations takes place on 24 to 27 October 2011 and are in keeping with the World Tourism Organisation theme to connect cultures during the tourism month.
The cross broader tourism extravaganza by the province of KwaZulu-Natal, which lies on the eastern seaboard of South Africa, is seen as part of efforts to take advantage of regional integration which is aimed at setting the tone for the integration of the whole continent as one single tourism and investment market.
The bold initiative by the province which boasts two World Heritage Sites and attracts thousands of international tourists annually is also aimed at positioning KwaZulu-Natal as the gateway to the African continent and an investment and tourism destination of choice on the continent.
With regional integration dominating the political discourse on the African continent, KwaZulu-Natal is fast becoming the logistics hub of the Southern African region owing to the fact that it is the only province in Southern Africa which has the two biggest ports and a multi-billion rand spanking new airport, incorporating a cargo handling facility, a first for the continent.
The week long celebrations will be marked by a number of colorful festivities including a convoy of off road vehicles and bike enthusiasts which will leave from KwaZulu-Natal and travel to Mozambique and Swaziland. A number of activities have been planned along the route including cultural festivities and investment seminars. The celebrations will also be used to showcase tourism treasures in the three countries and investment opportunities along the route.
Members of the media are invited to attend the breakfast launch of the celebrations which will start at 07:00am at the Sandton International Convention Centre, Johannesburg, on Monday, 26 September 2011.
Enquiries:
Bheko Madlala
Cell: 082 808 1984
Lihle Dlamini
Cell: 083 643 3018
