31 January, 2018
Beijing, China 

SOUTH AFRICAN MEDIA ROADSHOW 2018 VISITS BEIJING TO PROMOTE CHINESE TOURISM

Marketing highlights the milestone of the 20th anniversary of South Africa-China diplomatic relations, and the Nelson Mandela centennial, and a new global brand film

South African Tourism embarked on a media roadshow to launch the 2018 calendar of promotions encouraging Chinese visitors, with their first stop in Beijing on the 29^th January 2018.

Key tourism marketing, trade and media initiatives were unveiled at the Intercontinental hotel in Sanlitun, Beijing, where over 80 key media titles as well as dignitaries from the South African Embassy in Beijing and Brand South Africa attended the press conference.

From left to right: Mr. Seth S. Mompei, 1^st Secretary, Economic, South African Embassy; Mr. Tshepiso Malele, Acting Country Head of Brand South Africa China; Mr. Luzuko Mafenuka, 1^st Secretary Acting Head, Immigration & Civic Services; Ms. Debora Balatseng, Minister Plenipotentiary, South African Embassy;  Ms. Tracy Chang, friend of South Africa; Mr. Bradley Brouwer, Asia-Pacific President of South African Tourism; Mr. Charles Manuel, Minister Counsellor (Economic), South African Embassy; Mr. Timothy O’Driscoll, General Manager, InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun

Mr. Bradley Brouwer, Asia-Pacific President of South African Tourism

“The turnout was spectacular this year and South African Tourism is excited to share the Rainbow Nation’s robust calendar of events underlining the unique and compelling ‘bucket list’ of experiences and attractions we offer to China’s constantly growing tourism market,” said South African Tourism’s Asia-Pacific President Mr. Bradley Brouwer.

Key attendees from the South African Embassy included: Ms. Debora Balatseng, Minister Plenipotentiary; Mr. Charles Manuel, Minister Counsellor (Economic); Mr. Seth S Mompei, 1^st Secretary, Economic; and Mr. Luzuko Mafenuka, 1^st Secretary Acting Head, Immigration & Civic Services.

Ms. Debora Balatseng, Minister Plenipotentiary, South African Embassy 

Also joining the event was Mr. Tshepiso Malele, Acting Country Head China, for Brand South Africa, who highlighted the organization’s vital role in acting as a hub for resources in terms of investment opportunities between Chinese and South African companies.

Mr. Tshepiso Malele, Acting Country Head of Brand South Africa China

South African Tourism also opened the doors for honored guests including Ms. Tracy Chang, Friend of South Africa, who received an award for her support for the Rainbow Nation.

Ms. Tracy Chang, Friend of South Africa

The roadshow also highlighted 2018 as a milestone with the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Africa and China, as well as the centennial anniversary of the life and legacy of the ‘father of modern South Africa’, Nelson Mandela.

Mr. Timothy O’ Driscoll, General Manager of the InterContinental hotel in Beijing Sanlitun also noted the hotel’s close friendship with the South African Embassy, South African Tourism and Brand South Africa, unveiling the newest addition to the property’s international menu by having authentic South African beef in their flagship restaurant Char on the 3^rd floor.

South African Tourism also launched their new global brand film, bringing to life a vibrantly inspiring story of Bheki the Mbhaco Maker for audiences in China and around the world.

This year, South African Tourism plans to continue promoting the country domestically and internationally for leisure, business, meetings, incentives, conferences, and events tourism, supporting South Africa’s rising small- and medium-size tourism enterprises to transform their products into extraordinary experiences and creating market access.

In line with the worldwide boom in Chinese tourism, China has become one of South Africa’s core tourism markets, with visitor numbers soaring by a remarkable 38% in 2016 to 117,144 – or over 10,000 a month, playing a major role in South Africa’s economic future by supporting infrastructure development and job creation.

With visa facilitation centres now open in 9 Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian, Shenyang, Wuhan, Jinan, and Hangzhou, two more will be opening in Kunming and Chongqing, extending their reach to 11 cities across China.

Air China launched a non-stop flight 3 x a week between Beijing and Johannesburg via a code share agreement with South African Airways in 2015, and later this year, Cathay Pacific will launch a direct service from its hub in Hong Kong to Cape Town, providing this well-known South African city with its first non-stop flights from Asia.

“With these new initiatives, as well as a favorable exchange rate, it is now easier and more convenient than ever to come visit South Africa,” said Mr. Brouwer. “We wish for all Chinese tourists to be able to join in the priceless once-in-a-lifetime experiences from wildlife safaris with 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to world-class wineries and great value shopping and dining, and amazing marine tourism.”

“Our focus is also on authentic cultural people-to-people experiences that make the ‘Rainbow Nation’ so unique. Itineraries and experiences are being tailored under distinct categories for the Wildlife/Safari Traveller, Active Adventure Traveller, Scenic Outdoor Traveller, City Lifestyle Traveller, Coastal Beach Traveller and Cultural Roots Traveller.”

Tourism investment opportunities were also outlined, along with marketing initiatives including media familiarization tours, marketing collaboration opportunities and travel trade learning programs across China.

“Our annual media gathering unveils another exciting year of activities reminding China’s fast-growing sector of global travelers that South Africa is a must-visit destination that is friendly, appealing, safe and culturally diverse,” said Mr. Brouwer.

To cement trade ties, boost investment flows and encourage tourism between South Africa and China, Standard Bank and the Industrial Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) have launched the I Go South Africa loyalty programme in partnership with South African Tourism, offering a range of discounts and special offers from South African and Chinese merchants across travel, hospitality and lifestyle sectors.

With increasing accessibility and affordability, South Africa continues to rise as a growing destination of choice for Chinese travelers seeking year round sunshine, authentic cultural experiences, and jaw-dropping adventures.

For further information, please visit South African Tourism’s Chinese official website: www.southafricantourism.cn 

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South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination. It is headed up by Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sisa Ntshona.