Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* SA Tourism is representing our country on two platforms at World Travel Market in London this week: the 20th anniversary of the ‘new’ South Africa as well as Cape Town’s role as World Design Capital, both in 2014. Today Marthinus van Schalkwyk, the Minister of Tourism, will address visitors to the SA Tourism stand, and a fashion show will represent our country’s eight World Heritage sites, interpreted by top local designers David Tlale, Marianne Fassler, Thula Sindi, and Nkhensani Nkosi.
* 2014 is also an important year in celebrating the 80th anniversary of the SA Rugby Union and the Springboks. SAA will participate in the celebration in February, and commuters can expect to rub shoulders with members of the Springbok team at airport lounges. In November next year the team members will be seen at OR Thambo and Heathrow airports, when the Springboks travel to Europe for the Castle Lager Outbound Tour Series. (received via SAA newsletter)
* SAA is cutting its Buenos Aires route, being one of its loss-making destinations. Its Beijing route is also making a loss, but will be retained currently as China and South Africa are both BRICS countries.
* Western Cape Minister of Tourism Alan Winde is seeking an urgent meeting with SAA to discuss the cancellation of its Buenos Aires route, having seen good growth in the past few years, and benefitting the Western and Eastern Cape in particular. (received via media release frorm Minister Winde’s office)
* The Hotel Le Vendome in Sea Point will be operated by Radisson