A GROUP of Zulu dancers last week stole the show at the world's second-largest tourism consumer exhibition in Antwerp, Belgium, which was attended by 190 000 people.
Tourism KwaZulu-Natal chief executive officer, Gareth Coleman, who returned yesterday, said the group of nine dancers drew attention wherever they went.
"What was important was that they did generate additional interest and brought buyers and interested tourists to the South African Tourism and KwaZulu Natal stand," he said. “They danced four times a day and were a big hit. This effort definitely seemed to heighten awareness of the Kingdom of the Zulu. We even had complaints from neighbouring stands that they were too noisy but we were not really sure that this was the case or that they were simply complaining because the dancers were drawing all the attention."
Sourced from Shakaland in Northern KwaZulu Natal, the troupe also generated intense media interest appearing on Belgian television as well as the top selling newspaper in Antwerp, the Gazet van Antwerpen.
In an article headlined 'Groep Zoeloedansers maakt het bont op Vakantiesalon - loosely translated: 'Group of Zulu dancers make big impression at tourism show', the newspaper made reference to the legend of Shaka Zulu and splendour of the province. It also conducted an interview with 24-year-old Thandeka King, a female member of the group, who spoke about Zulu culture and the Shakaland experience.
From a business perspective, Coleman said buyers had shown interest and the province had been included in several wholesaler brochures. "It is apparent that South Africa and KwaZulu Natal are still popular destinations in the Belgium market. We had many positive inquiries and there were virtually no queries with regards to diseases and only isolated queries about security."
He confirmed he also had exploratory discussions with a major charter group in the country. "We are still at a very early stage in negotiations with the company. It is too early to say what will happen," he said.
About 35 000 Belgians and 85 000 visitors from neighbouring Holland come to South Africa annually.
Belgium is the 18th wealthiest country in the world.
(Elizabeth Sheridan)
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