“2010 preparations would be completed by December 2009 while the Department of Police has increased its budget by 40 percent in the last three years, putting a total of 190 000 police officers on our streets for 2010," the Minister said.
The Minister invited Japanese audiences to visit the country and explore its world-class tourism offerings. The Minister's message of welcome and preparation received wide coverage from the Japanese media.
Minister van Schalkwyk also represented South Africa at the JATA WTF Opening Ceremony, including a Tape-Cutting Ceremony at the African pavilion attended by other African diplomats. JATA chairman, Mr Kanai, welcomed South Africa's 2010 preparations while appealing to the gathered trade and media to assist promote Africa as a tourism destination.
South African Tourism's CMO, Roshene Singh who accompanied the Minister, highlighted South African Tourism's various local and global marketing initiatives in various media interviews.
“Through the Diski Dance campaign, SA Tourism is promoting the country's passion for football, sharing, welcoming and celebration,” she said. “South Africa is also a value-for-money destination offering an astounding variety of world-beating travel experiences, not only next year, but also after 2010”.
In conjunction with FIFA partners like Sony, Adidas, Japan Post Bank and Coca Cola, the South African Tourism stand, designed as a mini Fan Park, showcased a variety of South African experiences. The stand drew massive crowds with Diski Dance demonstrations, goal kicking, freestyle football performances, drumming, and a live musical performance by a well-known local Japanese band, Funkist, recently returned from a tree and food garden planting tour of South Africa.
The 2009 JATA World Travel Fair, with exhibitors representing 150 countries and regions around the world, set an all-time attendance high of 110 784 visitors. The three day event, Japan's equivalent of INDABA, is the biggest travel show in Asia. National and regional tourist promotion offices from around the world, along with airlines, travel agencies and other tourism offices, contribute more than 900 exhibition stands. 2009 included an African focus zone in recognition of the 2010 FIFA World Cup being held in South Africa next year.
