SA Tourism trains local operators
South Africa Tourism, a South African tourism marketing agency, has begun training some Ghanaian tourism operators on the emerging trends in the industry as well as presenting the country as the most preferred tourism destination in Africa.
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In what appears a deliberate policy to rebrand the country after the recent xenophobic attack on aliens, the South Africa Tourism, a marketing agency employed by its government, is opening up regional offices across Africa to market the country.
Already, offices have been set up in Nigeria and Angola while there are plans to open one in Kenya to execute its two-prong strategies—direct talk with customers and engaging tourism operators.
A third approach of which 45 people have graduated and been presented with certificates to operate is a three-month South Africa Specialists Online course.
The regional Manager, West Africa, South Africa Tourism, Hloni Pitso, told the Daily Graphic after a day’s training programme for Ghana’s tourism operators under the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in Kumasi that already the new graduates had had experience of the biggest tourism show on the continent called Indaba held every May in South Africa.
The parties are expected to work closely to explore other potential tourist sites and places of relaxation for people across the world with special focus on Africa.
In line with the drive, South Africa Tourism is expanding its frontiers with more offices across the globe with attractive marketing strategies.
Also more tailored products are being targeted at potential consumers, especially those in the middle class.
The Ashanti Regional Manager of Ghana Tourism Authority, Ekow Sampson, said Ghana and South Africa needed to explore and encourage ‘intra Africa travels’, which have largely been neglected over the years.
He said many people within the middle class bracket had little time for leisure and it was affecting their health and thereby affecting productivity.