Madam Deputy Speaker, since South Africa's successful hosting of the Fifa World Cup in 2010 it has been riding a tidal wave of success, ridding itself of a myriad of stigmas amongst international visitors. The country has proven to the world that it is alive with possibilities.
In his state of the nation address in Parliament, President Jacob Zuma announced that the country had already secured 95 major international meetings and conferences, which will be hosted here between now and 2016.
In order to further promote South Africa as a first-class destination, not only for tourism, but also for hosting international conferences, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Trade and Industry will be hosting a Sports and Events Tourism Exchange Conference and exhibition in July this year, with the aim of keeping South Africa in the forefront when it comes to hosting international events.
The Sports and Events Tourism Exchange Conference is a first in South Africa, and will provide exhibitors and visitors with a unique platform to network and interact with both local and international industry leaders. The aim is to promote South Africa as a beautiful and prosperous country that international organisers and tourists fell in love with during the Fifa World Cup.
The ANC-led government will continue to find creative ways whereby tourism can create jobs for our people. Together, we can make 2011 the year of jobs! Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.