First tourism office Opens For West Africa

South Africa Tourism, the nation’s tourism promotion agency, has officially opened its first regional office in Lagos, Nigeria, targetted at boosting its African market and reinforcing economic diplomacy with the region.

“Our foreign policy puts Africa in the centre for our continent’s regeneration. South Africa’s diplomacy and bilateral relations are based on the history we share together with other West African countries,” said South African Tourism Minister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk at the opening ceremony in Lagos.

He said opening of the regional marketing office is an invitation for Nigerians, Ghanaians and other nationals in West Africa to explore the beauty of South Africa.

“This marks an important milestone, but it is exactly that: a milestone along a road we have long been walking with the travel trade of this region. During this time we’ve invested heavily in understanding the needs of the West African traveller, so as to ensure that your holiday experience is as rewarding or memorable to you as it is to us,” said Mr. Van Schalkwyk.

According to him, 73,282 Nigerian tourists visited South Africa in 2012 — an overall 13.8 percent increase from the 64,402 tourists in 2011.

At the end of June 2013, Nigerian arrivals had continued to grow on a strong trajectory of 15.9 percent compared to the same period in 2012.

“Likewise, tourist arrivals from Ghana to South Africa grew a phenomenal 23.8 percent in 2012, when South Africa welcomed 22,953 Ghanaian tourists. Up to end June 2013, arrivals from Ghana were growing at 27.3 percent to 13,663 tourist arrivals for the six- month period. Global interest in visiting Africa is at an all-time high, and it is also our intention to do our bit to convert this interest into increased arrivals across the continent,” the Minister said.

He added: “As a nation, we see the special and longstanding relationship between Nigeria and South Africa as pivotal toward building an Africa that is economically vibrant and resilient.

“Key to creating economic vibrancy and resilience is working together to develop tourism industries that have the potential to contribute meaningfully to gross domestic product and job-creation on the African continent.

“Growth in African arrivals is what shielded our tourism industry from the worst of the recent economic downturn and is what we believe is going to keep our continent’s tourism industry on a sustainable growth path going forward.”

Chief Edem Duke, Nigeria’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, said: “This is a great stride — not only in deepening the bilateral relations but also creating a platform for our citizens to grow. This partnership will be mutually beneficial to stakeholders in both economies.”

Chief Duke called for special treatment for West African travellers due to their cultural differences. “West African travellers should be treated with dignity, respect and special understanding.”

He urged South African authorities to ensure that the generated wealth be spent in Africa to help grow the continent’s economy. “The Nigerian government will give support and remove all encumbrances that stand in the way of the project,” he remarked.