Moosa attends WTO's 15th session in China

DEAT minister, Valli Moosa is in China attending the World Tourism Organisation's (WTOs) 15th session of the general assembly which has given him an opportunity to meet and negotiate among other things, the renewal of South Africa's Approved Destination Status (ADS), which is reviewed annually with the Chinese authorities. Earlier this week, Moosa met with the vice chairperson of the Chinese National Tourism Agency (CNTA), GU Zhaoxi, where he invited him and the chairperson of CNTA, HE Guangwei to attend the President's Golf Cup to be held in George in November 2003. The idea is for the two governments to sign the renewed ADS, which is currently being negotiated through the South African Tourism attaché to the South African Embassy in China, M Nyembezi. The issue of direct air links was also discussed. Both governments have given permission for direct flights between the two countries and negotiations are taking place between the two national carriers. In order to meet the demands of the Chinese market and to offer relevant quality products, discussions also focused on training in areas such as hospitality, tourist guiding, tour operating and education of South African tourism product owners and suppliers. The minister then hosted a lunch for his 11 SADC (Southern African Development Community) colleagues currently attending the WTO general assembly. Critical to the discussions was the issue of how to continue interacting effectively within the confines of a newly restructured SADC. (Miguel de Sousa)