Wide upshots after Visit SA Expo

THE VISIT SA Expo this year was a resounding success with important meetings and interactions for tourism professionals and the launch of a Spanish version of the Visit SA website.

South African Tourism launched the Spanish version of its website: www.southafrica.net. The  website is set the become an indispensable tool for the tourism industry in Spanish-speaking countries of South America and Europe.

“During our recent trip to Argentina, the launch of a Spanish website means that we as South Africa and also Nelson Mandela Bay can communicate lots of information about our great country to potential South American tourists,” said Mandlakazi Skefile, NMBT chief executive.

“The outcomes of this are better communication, well-informed tourists and also immediate preference for South Africa as a destination that is catering for the needs of non-English speaking tourists.”

Numerous prizes were also given  at the Expo. The first prize was won by Natalia Ottavianoni, of TIJE Travel. The professional was handed over two return tickets to Cape Town flying with SAA, in addition to two hotel nights for two at The Palace (Sun City) and Table Bay (Cape Town), both offered by the Sun International chain. As well as other two nights at Sandton Sun (Sandton, Johannesburg), at The Cullinam hotel and at the Southern Sun Waterfront hotel (Cape Town) – these two provided by the Southern Sun chain.

The second prize was for Ludmila Kaszka, of Maxesefe Travel. This was a one-week package for two passengers including air tickets, accommodation and meals, to travel to South Africa in February or March 2012, offered by South African Tourism.

“The best kind of tour operator is the one with first-hand experience, so it is great to give the opportunity to travel here to some of the people doing good work promoting South Africa,” added Skefile.