Media Alert: Minister Winde Explores Cultural Tourism Links at Annual Indaba | Western Cape Government

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Media Alert: Minister Winde Explores Cultural Tourism Links at Annual Indaba

9 May 2013

Today, 9 May 2013, Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Alan Winde is heading to Durban to lead the Western Cape delegation at one of Africa’s biggest travel exhibitions, the annual Tourism Indaba.

This year’s Indaba is focused on heritage and culture, a theme that the Western Cape is ideally positioned to leverage.
 
The "South African Heritage and Culture Pavilion", makes its debut at the event showcasing the country’s landmarks.
 
Minister Winde hopes that Western Cape icons, including Robben Island and the many San cultural landmarks in the province, will feature strongly at this year’s event.
 
Minister Winde said cultural tourism was growing globally, adding that during the exit interviews for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, most foreign tourists ranked it high on their list.
 
"Foreign visitors want to see more of what we do and how we live, they want authentic local experiences. The Western Cape has a rich and diverse history and is home to iconic heritage sites such as Robben Island. The Western Cape Government is currently devising a cultural and heritage tourism strategy, which will be aligned with that of the national government. We are pleased the Tourism Indaba profiles this offering so prominently this year," said Minister Winde.
 
Minister Winde said this year’s Indaba follows shortly after the release of positive news for South Africa’s tourism industry. Figures released last month showed that international arrivals surpassed the nine million mark in 2012.
 
"I am sure that the Western Cape made a big contribution to country’s achievement. The province has garnered increased attention on the international travel scene due to securing several awards such as Table Mountain being named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and the sector experienced its best ever summer season," said Minister Winde.
 
The province’s official destination marketing, investment and trade promotion industry, Wesgro, has set up an interactive stand at the exhibition where delegates can take a visual tour of the Western Cape.
 
Participants stand a chance of winning a four-day trip to the province.
 
Nils Flaatten, Wesgro CEO, said the 3D experience gives viewers a glimpse of some of the adventures the Western Cape has to offer. These include shark cage diving, paragliding and river rafting.
 
"The Western Cape encapsulates the diversity of our country and our people and we sum this up with our campaign slogan of 'Adventurously yours...naturally ours'. We hope that our winner will embrace all the province has to offer, from the marine life to produce from the Cape Winelands, world-class restaurants and fantastic spaces in which to pursue a variety of leisure activities. We also hope that the winner will visit our culture and heritage sights," said Flaatten.
Media Enquiries: 

Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance
Tel: 082 454 4365
E-mail: Bronwynne.Jooste@westerncape.gov.za