BRICS markets identified as priority for Johannesburg tourism

As part of its strategy to promote Johannesburg as Africa’s most vibrant business and leisure destination, Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC) is participating in South African Tourism’s series of China Trade Workshops, taking place from June 6-11. The cities being visited are Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

“With the BRICS 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,” said Phelisa Mangcu, JTC’s Acting CEO, “Aside from improved air access with the direct Beijing flight into Johannesburg, as a destination, we have a diverse product offering to appeal to entice the Asian market – from entertainment and leisure, right through 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.”

“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,” explained Mangcu, “As the city of Johannesburg’s destination marketing organization, JTC remains focused on positioning Joburg 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.

“In terms of Johannesburg’s Growth and Development Strategy – Joburg 2040 ( www.joburg.org.za/gds2040 ), tourism remains an economic growth imperative on the city’s agenda. It is an important catalyst to encourage the development of the SMME sector in order to encourage the growth and development of a vibrant second economy. It is the Johannesburg Tourism Company’s mission to attract more visitors to Joburg, encouraging them to stay longer, spend more, improve seasonality patterns and the spread of visitors across the city.”