Tourism hosts Indian Ocean Rim Association Tourism Ministers meeting in Port Elizabeth, 23 Oct

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Tourism Ministers to meet in Port Elizabeth

Tourism Ministers from the member states of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) will gather in Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape) to finalise processes towards the establishment a Core Group that will inform the implementation of tourism initiatives within the Association.

Chaired by South Africa, the 2nd IORA Tourism Ministers Meeting will finalise the Terms of Reference for the IORA Tourism Core Group that will govern the implementation of vital tourism projects under the IORA Action Plan (2017 – 2021).

It is envisioned that the IORA Action Plan will lead to advancements in cruise tourism; the establishment of an IORA Tourism Resource Centre and Website,  and the development of capacity building community-based tourism projects that will boost cultural and eco-tourism, and ultimately reduce poverty. 

Background: IORA was established in 1997 and it seeks to expand understanding and mutual beneficial co-operation through the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful coexistence, and mutual benefit.

South Africa is the current chair (from October 2017 until October 2019) for the twenty-one (21) Member state association derived from four regions namely - Southern Africa and Eastern Africa; the Gulf; South Asia and the South Eastern Indian Ocean. 

Whilst not members, the  United State of America , United Kingdom , Germany, Egypt, France, Japan and China  are regarded as  seven dialogue partners, and continue to offer technical cooperation support to the agenda and work programme of the association.

Members of the media are invited to attend the opening ceremony as follows:



Opening ceremony - 2nd IORA tourism ministers meeting

Date: Tuesday, 23 October 2018
Venue: Sun Boardwalk International Convention Centre - Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Province- South Africa
Time: 11h15 for 11h30   

PROGRAMME: OFFICIAL OPENING  -  2ND IORA TOURISM MINISTERS MEETING

11h15 – 11h30

Media Registration 

11h30 – 11h45

Opening remarks  by  IORA Chairperson -  Minister of Tourism Mr Derek Hanekom -  South Africa

11h45 – 12h00

Remarks by IORA Vice Chair  - H.E. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori - United Arab Emirates (UAE)

12h15 – 12h30

Remarks by IORA Secretariat  - IORA Secretary-General, Dr Nomvuyo Nokwe

12h30 – 12h45

Welcome by the MEC of  the Eastern Cape Province – Mr. Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane

12h45 – 13h00

Photo opportunity  - Ministers and Heads of Delegation

Kindly Note: Only media who have received written confirmation of accreditation from the Department of Tourism will be allowed to attend the event.

Kindly confirm your attendance by 12 October 2018 [Time: 12h00] to

 Ms. Sindi Zwane   Tel: 012 444 6612/081 267 4665  E-mail:szwane@tourism.gov.za                                                                                                                 

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