![SOUTH Africa’s new National Convention Bureau (NCB) is set to see the nation make significantinroads into the global business tourism market, according to SA Tourism ceo Thulani Nzima.Speaking at AIME in Melbourneyesterday, Nzima said that SouthAfrica had historically been asafari and tourist destination butthere was big scope to attractconferences.The NCB was inaugurated latelast year and its Australian launchat AIME 2012 recognises theimportance of business tourism.“If we really want to besuccessful [in business events] weneed to market on a nationallevel - to coordinate our bids andget international conferences,”Nzima (pictured right) said.Also at AIME, South Africantourism minister Marthinus vanSchalkwyk addressed the thornyissue of the current South AfricanAirways codeshare deal withQantas, which is the subject of acurrent government review.The deal has been renewed onlyuntil the end of 2012 and bothcarriers have lodged submissionsabout an extension.Van Schalkwyk said the SouthAfrican govt does not believe thecodeshare will be terminated.“It has worked well despiteQantas and South African beingpart of different alliances,” he said.](https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/404243_262294540512887_1065618944_n.jpg) |
SOUTH Africa’s new National Convention Bureau (NCB) is set to see the nation make significant inroads into the global business tourism market, according to SA Tourism ceo Thulani Nzima. Speaking at AIME in Melbourne yesterday, Nzima said that South Africa had historically been a safari and tourist destination but there was big scope to attract conferences. The NCB was inaugurated late last year and its Australian launch at AIME 2012 recognises the importance of business tourism. “If we really want to be successful [in business events] we need to market on a national level – to coordinate our bids and get international conferences,” Nzima (pictured right) said. Also at AIME, South African tourism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk addressed the thorny issue of the current South African Airways codeshare deal with Qantas, which is the subject of a current government review. The deal has been renewed only until the end of 2012 and both carriers have lodged submissions about an extension. Van Schalkwyk said the South African govt does not believe the codeshare will be terminated. “It has worked well despite Qantas and South African being part of different alliances,” he said. |
