South Africa gears up for 2010 FIFA World Cup

Carrying forward the achievement of the previous four InCountry Famils, South African Tourism kicked off its 5th InCountry Famil 2009 in Hyderabad. The Incountry Famil was organised with a view to bring together key members of the South African and Indian travel trade.

The 5th InCountry Famil of South African Tourism for the second time was held in the royal city of Hyderabad from 31 August to 3 September 2009.

An annual initiative, the Incountry Famil aims to bring and discuss under one roof matters of strategic importance and help enhance maximum interaction in preparation for the oncoming outbound season. The delegates from South Africa included provincial representatives, tourism boards, hotel chains, game lodges and safari parks, tour operators, travel agents, airlines, wineries among others. Similarly key tour operators from all across India are flown into Hyderabad to network and meet with the South African suppliers.

This unique event includes specially designed activities to give trade partners insights into their Indian customers to better plan their business. Sessions are structured in a manner such that they include elements of work interspersed with leisure activities, both considered equally important in understanding a country's culture and mindset. Special emphasis was given to highlight the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup, the biggest sporting extravaganza in the world which will be held in South Africa next year.

Speaking about the event, Medha Sampat, Country Head, South African Tourism – India, said "After the remarkable success of the famil last year, we are back in the City of Pearls with our annual InCountry Famil. We are pleased that it has grown from strength to strength each year, resulting in increased participation from our trade partners in both, South Africa and India. This event provides trade partners with a stimulating environment to look at fresh approaches to product development, innovative pricing models, dealing with barriers and to build stronger relationships."

The activities at the famil are designed with an aim to learn various facets of the Indian culture such as food, hospitality, traditional clothes and accessories, lifestyle, wellness, dance and music. Visiting partners from South Africa also did a guided tour of the 'City of Pearls' with an opportunity to soak in its royal glory and experience its inherent style and age-old culture.

The various activities included 'Secrets & Spices' a gala dinner where the chefs unveiled the long kept Indian culinary secrets with South African delegates. Indian and South African delegates geared up the 2010 FIFA World Cup and also learnt South Africa's very own diski dance with Zakumi, the Official Mascot of the 2010 FIFA Word Cup in South Africa, marking his first visit on Indian soil, at the Soccer Smash 2009, which was followed by a pulsating night out.

Source : Equity Bulls

Keywords