Address to the Chinese media by Tokozile Xasa, Deputy Minister of Tourism at the Kerry Hotel in Beijing - 2016 Trade Workshops Beijing Stop
Mr Charles Manuel, the Minister Counsellor: Economic,
Mr. Bradley Brouwer, President: Asia Pacific, SA Tourism;
Ms Mary Ngoveri, Counsellor (Immigration & Civic Services), SA Embassy in China,
SA Tourism officials and SA exhibitors,
Chinese Tour Operators,
All media present,
Ladies and gentlemen.
Zao’an – Ni hao ma? – Wo hen hao, xiexie.
(Good morning – How are you? – I am very well, thanks.)
As relations between our respective countries continue to strengthen and flourish, platforms such as these trade workshops provide an opportunity to facilitate communications and cooperation between South African inbound operators and product suppliers in China mainland and the Hong Kong markets.
More than 40 of our key tourism trade companies, various South African provincial tourism authorities, hotels and other tourism-related service providers will showcase their latest in-market trade offerings to more than 500 visitors here in Beijing as well as in Xi’an, Hangzhou and Guangzhou cities.
South African Tourism wants you to “Embrace Authentic South Africa” and in keeping with this guideline.
‘Yiza eMzantsi Afrika uzoxhamla emfudumalo yabantu bayo)
(Come to South Africa and experience the true warmth of the African people)
SA Tourism will continue to promote authentic travel experiences available in South Africa in 2016.
With a total of 9 visa centres spread strategically across China, as well as the introduction of the direct flight to South Africa that was introduced in October last year, more tourists are expected to visit South Africa.
To get an authentic feel of South Africa, make sure you see the Big-Five, visit our world-famous attractions such as the Liellies’ leaf farm museum in Rivonia, Johannesburg and of course Robben Island.
Robben Island is situated about 7 kilometres off the coast of Cape Town and until recently it was a prison and is most famous for having been a ‘home’ to South African and world icon, Nelson Mandela for 18 years.
South Africa can offer Chinese tourists: some Local Cultural experiences, Wildlife/Nature, World Heritage, Adventure, Scenic Beauty, Outdoor Experiences and City Lifestyle.
Despite the difficult and ongoing global economic crisis, the Chinese market has been showing exceptional growth since September last year 2015, with arrivals up 61.2%, 96.0%, 136.8% and 135.6% year on year for September, October, November and December respectively.
South Africa had 12 519 arrivals out of China in November last year. From January to March 2016, Chinese arrivals (including Hong Kong) reached 31,610, and this excludes transit tourists.
This, ladies and gentlemen, represents a 65.1% increase compared to the same period in 2015.
As evidence of maintaining our bonds with the People’s Republic of China, just last week, we hosted about 80 business people from the Zhongshan municipal people’s government (MPG) as part of the Zhongshan-South Africa Economic and Trade exchange.
The delegation, led by the vice-mayor of the Zhongshan MPG, Mr Yang Wenlong, aimed to enhance economic cooperation and further develop mutual development opportunities. Let us continue to also strengthen diplomatic relations between our respective countries which were also strengthened during His Excellency President Xi Jinping’s visit to our country last year.
As a result of these visits by His Excellency Xi Jinping to our country and South African president Jacob Zuma’s visit to China in recently, the two countries signed an agreement focusing on the promotion of tourism development and investment opportunities.
This agreement also includes the tourism marketing of both countries.
Ladies and gentlemen, like the Chinese proverb says;
“When the winds of change blow, some build walls and others build windmills,” – lets continue to build windmills and prosper together.
Xiexie - I thank you!
