South Africa will not be able to grow arrivals to the country from Brazil without the support of the Brazilian trade.
This is the message that Monika Iuel, South African Tourism General Manager: International Marketing and Deputy Minister of Tourism Thokozile Xasa shared with the trade at the second edition of the Ubuntu Awards in São Paulo on Wednesday night.
The awards are organised by SA Tourism to pay tribute to the members of the Brazilian trade that have shown dedication is selling South Africa as a tourism destination.
“Since holding our first ever awards in Brazil last year we have been very excited about the business potential in this market and finding innovative ways to inspire Brazilians to visit and meet South Africa,” said Iuel. “This is also the first anniversary of the South African Tourism office in Latin America," she said adding that the opening of the office solidified South Africa's commitment and investment in the market.
“South African Tourism is committed to growing arrivals from this region. The tour operators and industry players we have worked with in the past year have shown great passion and enthusiasm,” said Iuel. “None of what we do is possible without you, the people in this room."
Minister Xasa also emphasised that without the country’s partners in Brazil, it would not be possible to sell the destination. She added that Brazil is SA’s 10th biggest source market. “As we are standing here in front of you it is our reiteration of our commitment and our pledge to our Brazilian trade partners that we are here to support what you are doing.”
Awards given at the event included:
- Most strategic partnership: Designer Tours
- Best value for money package: Taks Tour
- Oustanding creativity in marketing South Africa: Teresa Perez
- Best joint marketing agreement: CVC
- Top selling tour operator: Queensberry Viagens
- Top selling online travel operator: Decolar.com
Tourism Update attended the Ubuntu Awards in São Paulo as a guest of South African Tourism.
