Of Mountains and Molehills
Mountains aren't enough. Mountains and springs won't be bringing Asian visitors to African shores according to a Japanese diplomat speaking at the fifth Africa-Asia business forum in Uganda. River deep and mountain high no more, if Africa wants to attract a more diverse tourism clientele.
25 000 Asian tourist visit sub-Saharan Africa compared to the 2,5 million tourists that frequent Europe each year. The numbers seem to speak for themselves and the "lax" attitude African countries for attracting visitors. Apparently, there is room for a clearly defined, marketing strategy based on detailed research and analysis of what potential tourists are looking for.
Perhaps we do rest on our laurels ever so slightly, there is no where else on the planet like Africa. And so, with our inherent uniqueness does come a small amount of complacency that we will always have visitors to African shores. Before our luck runs out and complacency is replaced with complaining, Africa needs to develop high-end destinations and target specific markets to really tap into our tourism potential.
Now, although the Japanese diplomat said a mouthful when she debunked our African-time/African-style attitude, there are tourists who still want to see rural villages, traditional dancing and experience the purest form of African culture that Google and Paramount Pictures will allow. But there is room for improvement, a 5/6 star room at that.
African countries were encouraged to capitalise on the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup held right here in South Africa. Now, I don't think there are many who don't see the opportunities that hosting the games will have on the country and the economy but there are those who are concerned about just how our soccer boys can carry the South African flag into the games.
My answer to that is "rest assured." Kiwi juice anyone? Cause there's plenty to go around. Bafana bafana beat the New Zealand team in a convincing 2-0 victory last night. That's sure to "improve the image of Africa." Not only can we host international games but we can be contenders in those self same games. All we need now is a radio station that talks directly to tourists and a lifestyle and travel website that keeps everyone in touch while they are here in our very mountainous and spring infested land. Luckily, Tourism Radio and hummba.com have the answer, if you're brave enough to ask the question.
Well done boys!
25 000 Asian tourist visit sub-Saharan Africa compared to the 2,5 million tourists that frequent Europe each year. The numbers seem to speak for themselves and the "lax" attitude African countries for attracting visitors. Apparently, there is room for a clearly defined, marketing strategy based on detailed research and analysis of what potential tourists are looking for.
Perhaps we do rest on our laurels ever so slightly, there is no where else on the planet like Africa. And so, with our inherent uniqueness does come a small amount of complacency that we will always have visitors to African shores. Before our luck runs out and complacency is replaced with complaining, Africa needs to develop high-end destinations and target specific markets to really tap into our tourism potential.
Now, although the Japanese diplomat said a mouthful when she debunked our African-time/African-style attitude, there are tourists who still want to see rural villages, traditional dancing and experience the purest form of African culture that Google and Paramount Pictures will allow. But there is room for improvement, a 5/6 star room at that.
African countries were encouraged to capitalise on the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup held right here in South Africa. Now, I don't think there are many who don't see the opportunities that hosting the games will have on the country and the economy but there are those who are concerned about just how our soccer boys can carry the South African flag into the games.
My answer to that is "rest assured." Kiwi juice anyone? Cause there's plenty to go around. Bafana bafana beat the New Zealand team in a convincing 2-0 victory last night. That's sure to "improve the image of Africa." Not only can we host international games but we can be contenders in those self same games. All we need now is a radio station that talks directly to tourists and a lifestyle and travel website that keeps everyone in touch while they are here in our very mountainous and spring infested land. Luckily, Tourism Radio and hummba.com have the answer, if you're brave enough to ask the question.
Well done boys!
