South African Tourism (SAT) opened a new office in Beijing to tap China’s rapidly growing long haul travel market. The new office provides SAT with a purpose built centre for directing marketing and promotional activities in China and for liaising with key airlines and package wholesalers.
The official opening ceremony was attended by South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, as well as China’s Chairman of the National Tourism Administration, Mr. Shao Qiwei. They were joined by Mr. Jabu Mabuza, Chairman of South African Tourism Board, as well as South Africa’s Ambassador to China, Ndumiso Ndima Ntshinga.
“The establishment of SAT’s Beijing Office will expand its footprint in a market which, last year, accounted for 45,326 visitors to South Africa – a 12% increase on the previous year” said Minister Van Schalkwyk.
The opening of the new office demonstrates South African Tourism’s long-term commitment to the market while actively expanding South Africa’s brand recognition and boosting Chinese arrivals to South Africa.
While greatly increased numbers are expected in South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Minister van Schalkwyk added that “beyond football matches, South Africa’s diverse cultures, welcoming people, abundant wildlife and marvelous scenery provide endless opportunities for discovery and adventure – all at very affordable prices.”
Mr. Bradley Brouwer, South African Tourism’s Regional Manager for the Asia Pacific region thanked all honourable guests, trade partners and media friends for their presence at the opening as well as their unfailing support over many years.
“SAT’s Beijing Office aims to strengthen its relationship with trade to showcase the depth of South Africa’s offering to Chinese travelers,” said Mr. Brouwer.
The new SAT office in China will hold a series of trade workshops in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong this July. These workshops will provide a platform for trade from both South Africa and China to share and updated information, resources and opportunities.
Blogger Muzi Mohale
I’m Muzi Mohale, based in Roodepoort (South Africa). Blogger with www.travelwires.com. Love Travelwires.com since I get to travel our beautiful country through blogging and get first hand tourism experience.
Thanks for sharing this information Muzi. This is a certainly step in the right direction by SA Tourism. China is poised to be the greatest economic superpower in the world and they have been active in development and investment in Africa for quite some time. This is a huge untapped market, with great potential for the tourist industry in South Africa, and we should develop it as the people in China become more affluent. Now- how are we going to advertise on the Internet in China in a language that they understand??