South African Tourism together  with the South African High Commission brought down a 60-member delegation for a roadshow in Sri Lanka recently.  This is the  second occasion that  such an event has  been held in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the  South African High Commissioner Robina Marks said,  gathering there  are  several facts to be taken into consideration when planning the way forward in doing business with South Africa. Having being modelled upon the  standards  of excellence  of our founder  Nelson Mandela we  strive to maintain excellence  in everything we  undertake. Therefore  when dealing with us  there are  no underhand dealings.  We have seen tour companies  encouraging their corporate clients to travel to South Africa as  a part  of their  incentive  travel. We  have  seen  30-40 persons  from leading corporates  going last year. We  give value  for money and value  of experience  as well.  Also I noticed a small spike in the  number  of  travellers  during the cricket match in South Africa. Also leading schools are  taking their Rugby teams  for training camps there.  South Africa is an expensive  destination but there is    a strong and  growing middle class here in Sri Lanka

She further  mentioned  that there  now several Sri Lankans  travelling to South Africa. Not necessarily direct from Sri Lankan. With the  large Sri Lankan diaspora they  have several Sri Lankans visiting direct from the Middle East and  Europe as well.

Also speaking at the Hanneli Slabber, Regional General Manager,  Asia/Australasia/Middle East, South African Tourism, said the event was  done  with the sole  purpose  of encouraging travellers to travel between both countries. Being attended by around  30  Tourism  companies and organizations it was  an opportunity  to know  what the South African Tourism offered and  also what the  local market was  like to them. Having over  60,000 tourism products and over  3,000 activities what ever the  client wants  he/she gets.  From product to budget we can help, Slabber  said.

Commenting on the standards maintained  by the  South African Tourism , Slabber  said, the  South Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), selects members  after  a careful screening process.Therefore this means that if they are  members  of the SATSA  you are safe with them.

 Commenting on a few  of the  attractions  available to the  traveller she said, Whale watching, Shark diving cage, Crocodile Diving cage, Bungee jumping from a height of 720ft., are  but a few    of the experiences on offer.  She  also stressed on the  road  network  in South Africa which makes  several places accessible to the traveller. Vehicles  could be hired  either  to be driven or self-drive in which case  only a valid driving license in English , was  required  to be produced.

Finally South African High Commissioner Robina Marks said,  said that the way to promote  South Africa  is as an incentive  travel destination.