In a practical effort to sustain the tourism feat attained in the past years and to also break new grounds in the promotion of South Africa's tourism potential, the South African Tourism and the National Associations of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) have signed a memorandum of understanding.The agreement, which offers the opportunity for the duo to have a synergy to boost and develop the business, was held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos State.The epoch making event, which will be the beginning of better things to come for the two parties, was conceptualised to foster a win-win situation with positive returns on business.However, the agreement was preceded by a trade workshop where marketing orientation on the business agreement and deals were highlighted to over 200 trade buyers, who the joint venture will offer an opportunity to grow their business.Also, the platform was described by attendees as a new focus at building a platform to extend business frontiers for the growth of the parties.Speaking in a chat with journalists in Lagos, recently, the Chief Marketing Officer, South African Tourism, Roshene Singh, who was visiting Nigeria for the first time, said the it was a good opportunity as the forum would not only accord her the privilege to meet minds with trade partners but also open a new vista of business.Singh who reviewed the experience at the trade workshop organised by South African Tourism for members of the NANTA, said the platform was encouraging, with the number of participants at the venue.'The trade workshop was a good one with encouraging patronage, which shows how passionate the NANTA members are, in setting a long time business progression for their tour packaging offering.'Giving a highlight on the Fundi initiative, Singh explained that Fundi meant experts in South African tourism business, adding that they had been trained on tourism in South Africa, which gave them the negotiate power at any point in time.Singh explained that the area of inbound tourism, of which Nigeria is a paramount market, was one of the reasons the SA tourism decided to extend it frontiers to Nigeria, and saw the NANTA as a partner in progress to make the synergy work promptly.'Our extensive marketing is to boost our tourism campaign and to showcase to trade partners and buyers, new products and destination in South Africa.'I found this forum a good one to boost partnership with NANTA. Also, it will help to regulate the business of the travel agencies.'Corroborating Singh' statement, the Regional Manager, Africa, Domestic and Middle East, Phumi Dhlomo, said following the positive trend of records gathered in the past six months, South Africa was determined to invest in Nigeria by working with travel partners to further grow the market.'As part this, the ongoing plan of an office in Nigeria will further give partners the easy access to prompt and comprehensive information about South Africa's tourism potential and businesses.'With NANTA, there are activities that will be put in place for the success of the joint marketing partnership, which will enable us to extend our tentacles to other states in Nigeria through the travel association.'The joint marketing partnershiph agreement will be able to grow their business, which is one of the benefits of the agreemnet, and also assist Nigerians with what has worked for us and how it could be of help to improving the their growing tourim industry.'Dhlomo added that becoming a FUNDI makes you a go-to person for South African travel information ' a trusted specialist that travellers will buy from because they recognise your knowledge and expertise.'FUNDI's are a select group of experts that are in high demand year round. By becoming a FUNDI, you'll set yourself apart from competitors by providing unique, customer-tailored travel experiences to South Africa to your clients.'Reciprocating the gesture, the president of NANTA, Mr Dayo Adeola, thanked the team of South African Tourism for the opportunity to learn how tourism had worked in South Africa and how it could help to grow the business of member of NANTA.'This initiative and the partnership bid will go a long way harmonise the business of members vis-a-vis opening more business opportunities that will create employment and steady travel business for people.'We, on our own, will take the campaign to the 36 states of Nigeria for NANTA members because it is of fashioned to be a win-win venture for the duo. Also, we want to say that the synergy and template that was put in place will bring more good business deals to Nigeria,' Adeola added.
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