2010 Legacy Crucial For Business Tourism – Van Schalkwyk

The legacy of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup is crucial to the future growth of South Africa’s Business Tourism industry.
 
This was the message from Tourism Minister, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, when he officially opened Meetings Africa 2010 in Johannesburg on February 24.
 
Van Schalkwyk said events such as the World Cup demonstrated capacity, infrastructure, hospitality and the general competitiveness of the host country's travel and tourism industry.
 
"The Business Tourism sector is especially excited about what happens in South Africa this year and hopes to reap the benefits for years to come."
 
According to the Minister, the tourism industry has invested considerably in South Africa recently, with investments such as the upgrade and extension of major airports, the construction of a new international airport in Durban and the opening of various top hotels, some owned and managed by international groups, in most cities.
 
"South Africa's tourism sector finds itself in the international spotlight this year," he said, "and it is particularly apt that Meetings Africa coincides with a meeting of the tourism ministers of the G20 countries and a UN World Tourism Organisation/South Africa Summit on Tourism, Sport and Mega-events."
 
A statement issued by South African Tourism (SAT) said business tourism currently represented approximately 6% of all foreign arrivals in South Africa. This, according to SAT, represents more than half a million visitors per year who come to the country for meetings, incentives, conferences and events.
 
Meetings Africa is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from February 24-26.

Article Source: www.tourismupdate.co.za