MaximsNewsNetwork: AFRICAN TOURISM IS GROWNING UNWTO: SINDISWA NHLUMAYO, WALTER MZEMBI

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• published: 09 Oct 2009
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MaximsNewsNetwork: 08 October 2009 - UNWTO: As the only region currently showing growth in tourism across the globe, African leaders are now looking to get beyond the stereotypical view that the continent is just about safaris. As the only region currently showing growth in tourism across the globe, African leaders are now looking to get beyond the stereotypical view that the continent is just about safaris. Trying to change the global mind set about the continent; capitalize on tourists from within the region and sell unique tourism experiences from the Cape to Cairo are the messages from African ministers and representatives who are meeting in the capital of Kazakhstan at the United Nations World Tourism Organizations (UNWTO) 18th General Assembly. SOUNDBITE (English) Sindiswa Nhlumayo, Deputy Director-General: Tourism, Department of Tourism, South Africa: When people think Africa they think safari. But I believe that Africa has a lot diverse products that they have to offer. So when we talks about re-branding its about really diversifying the products that we offer. But it is also about showcasing the other parts of Africa that have never been shown, seen by the world. African nations are progressively moving into mega-events, culture, medical and cruises in order to diversify their tourism offering and give the continent an image makeover. This comes despite the fact that the many countries lack infrastructure and facilities to showcase their attractions. SOUNDBITE (English) Walter Mzembi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe The days of national sovereignty on tourism are gone. What we are talking about now is regional sovereignty, where you package your global accounts; take a case in point packaging Victoria Falls together with Table Mountain in South Africa and Cape Town. Africa is looking to boost its tourism receipts, since they are currently less than five percent of the global total, according to Mzembi. A number of leaders in Astana said this could be achieved by nations playing to their strengths and cooperating. SOUNDBITE (English) Juliana Azumah-Mensah, Minister of Tourism, Ghana Ghana we are beginning to look at our slave routes, our forts and castles. And then in addition to that well give you the culture you know as a top up and our hospitality. I believe all African countries are beginning to look at if it is games and wildlife or animals or whatever they have got. They are beginning to look at that. And I think that is the best way to go to. But we will do that more when we work together, collaborate with each other. For instance in August, Kenya signed an agreement with South Africa to boost tourism investment in both countries, as well as share data on travel to maximize revenues. SOUNDBITE (English) Hermon Motsa, Head of policy and information, Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Swaziland We have to have synergies with the other countries around us and work as a unit, have a pool. For instance we are very strong in culture. We can sell culture. South Africa is very strong on other aspects. Mozambique had the sea. South Africa had the wildlife. Now we have a concept what they call as BBC -- bush, beach and culture. So as a tourist will take advantage of this by visiting Swaziland for the culture, Mozambique for the beach; South Africa for the bush. With international arrivals growing by 4.4 percent for the year to-date, albeit from a small base, all eyes are now on Africa, especially with the boost that the continent will get from hosting the FIFA World Cup and the 450,000 visitors expected next July. MaximsNewsNetwork: News Network for the United Nations and the International Community. See: http://www.MaximsNews.com. "GIVING POWER & RESONANCE TO THE VOICE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY" .