Joburg goes to China

THE Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC) is taking part in South African Tourism’s series of China Trade Workshops from June 6 to 11 in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

JTC CEO Phelisa MangcuJTC CEO Phelisa MangcuPhelisa Mangcu, JTC’s acting CEO and Lumka Dlomo, the tourism company’s marketing manager, are attending the workshops on behalf of the City.

“With the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) markets identified as a priority for South African tourism, as well as the increasing visitor numbers from Asia and China, it’s essential for us to entrench Joburg’s position on the African continent within the Asian and Chinese context,” says Mangcu.

The duo will exhibit Jozi by informing the Chinese that the city is not merely the entry point to South Africa but has a great deal to offer tourists.

Among the attractions they will highlight are entertainment venues, accommodation, golf courses, hotels and casinos.

The direct flights from Beijing to Johannesburg, says Mangcu, provides improved access to the city and Joburg has a number of attractions that appeal to the Asian market – from entertainment and leisure to business, tourism and investment. “Of particular interest to the Asian market are gaming and golfing and Joburg boasts plenty of options where these are concerned,” says Mangcu.

Liveable CitiesJTC also participates each year in the Africa Road Show, visiting a variety of countries and focusing on positioning the city not only as the continent’s leading business hub but also as an exciting, vibrant year-round destination for signature events, lifestyle, the arts, culture, fashion, sports – and of course, mega-events.

“Our ongoing local and international promotional campaigns include exhibiting at business and leisure trade exhibitions where JTC shares its plans to maintain, defend and grow its market share,” says Mangcu.

The China Trade Workshops are an element of the Joburg 2040 strategy, an aspirational document that defines the type of society Joburg wants to become by 2040.