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South African Tourism sets sights on Arabian Tourism markets to boost sector recovery
South African Tourism continues to find strategic opportunities to fast-track the sector’s tourism recovery. The Arabian Travel Market is one platform, as it brings together global tourism decision-makers, industry experts and thought leaders to unlock the sector’s potential.
Now in its 30th year, the tradeshow will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 1 to 4 May 2023.
Zinhle Nzama, the Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer at South African Tourism says that South Africa’s presence at the Arabian Tourism Market “marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s journey towards economic revival and tourism rebound.”
“Participating at this trade show is a great opportunity that cannot be missed,” Nzama said matter-of-factly.
She added: “It was critical for us to return to ATM again because last year was a huge success for the exhibitors that attended, and ultimately a big win for South Africa’s tourism sector. Last year, the South African delegation came back with over 37 leads, most of which were converted into business.”
As part of ATM last year, South African Tourism entered into an MoU with Emirates Airlines which has, amongst others, seen the airline flying 49 weekly flights into South Africa. These numbers are at pre-pandemic levels and signify how South African Tourism continues to leverage these international trade shows.
This year, South African Tourism is taking 19 exhibitors to ATM, including 14 products and experiences and 5 SMMEs.
“Our exhibitors are carefully selected to ensure that they specifically meet the needs and preferences of the Middle Eastern travellers looking to come and explore South Africa,” adds Nzama.
She said tourism is a vital part of South Africa’s economic recovery grand plan dubbed the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
She emphasized, “International travel and tourism trade shows provide an opportunity for South African tourism enterprises of varying sizes to strike impactful, lasting partnerships and even ink fruitful collaboration contracts.”
“We are committed to diligently executing our strategies to achieve the ambitious targets we have set ourselves, including 21 million arrivals by 2030 as per the National Development Plan’s (NDP) injunction,” she stated.
In 2022, tourism contributed 3.7% towards South Africa’s GDP, surpassing agriculture, utilities, and construction contributions.
Tourism also plays a vital role in providing sustainable employment opportunities. As per the 2021 employment statistics, the travel and tourism sector in South Africa employed nearly 1.08 million people.
According to Nzama, the Arabian Tourism Market presents a significant chance for South Africa to promote its destination directly to its important source markets in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
The region, she revealed, has seen healthy incoming visitor numbers in recent years, which South Africa aims to cultivate and nurture.
She added that last year, “South Africa attracted 5.7 million incoming international visitors between January and December 2022.”
The latest numbers from the Middle East indicate a strong recovery in tourism. In December 2022, there was a significant increase of 223.1% compared to the previous year, with a total of 40,628 arrivals.
Israel was the most significant source market, with 17,427 visitors, followed by Saudi Arabia with 11,464 and the United Arab Emirates with 3,100.
Other countries in the region also contributed a healthy 8,637 visitors
South Africa, Nzama added, believes that there is more room for growth not just in this region’s contribution but in the overall global figure of wanderlust-seekers who heed its message to come to South Africa and “Live Again.”
International trade shows such as ATM are part of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, which South Africa has identified as one of the growth levers in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
