SOUTH AFRICA – The Republic of South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma was guided by the national minister for tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, and the global manager for business tourism at South African Tourism, Nomasonto Ndlovu, through the stands of trade show Meetings Africa 2010.
The head of state met with exhibitors and asked them how the show was going, thanking them for their support as destination representatives.
Speaking at the Tourism, Sport and Mega Event International Summit, held alongside Meetings Africa 2010, Zuma told tourism ministers and representatives of the G20 countries that while international business and leisure tourism declined by four per cent in 2009, South Africa bucked the trend with a five per cent increase in arrivals.
“In the wake of the recession and swine flu it is time for nations to rebuild, reconstruct and focus on tourism,” said Zuma. “With the World Cup due to be held in 105 days, South Africa has been turned into a giant construction site, which will take our nation into the future.
“Our vision is more than just building stadiums. It is to build an events legacy with improved air and road infrastructure. The dream of ex-president Mandela for a united, non-racial and prosperous nation, is now a reality,” he added.
Tourism minister Van Schalkwyk thanked the president for his support, adding: “We now know we have a friend in a very high place.”
