afrol News, 14 May - Nine Southern Africa countries undertook to benefit from 2010 World Cup to be hosted in South Africa by capitalising on tourism opportunities uniquely found in the region. The countries did this by showcasing The "Boundless Southern Africa" brand at Indaba 2008 in South Africa.

Rejoice Mabudafhasi, South Africa's Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, indicated that the aim of the brand was to become an authentically Southern African brand where the nine countries are united through a passion for nature, culture and community according to press release ministry's website.

"The regional identity and character that defines this single brand most completely is simply the reverence for the deep authentic character of our cultural and natural heritage, and for its defining role in our lives as communities," she said.

"Boundless Southern Africa" is aimed at ensuring that the World Soccer premier event does not benefit South Africa alone but the entire region.

The Minister further emphasised that developing strategies aimed at capitalising on tourism and other business opportunities brought by 2010 is highly imperative. "It is therefore critical for the region and the continent at large to formulate and implement strategies that will enable the realisation of these opportunities," she added.

The purpose of this new tourism development strategy for 2010 and beyond is to increase the tourism potential of Southern Africa by consolidating the marketing, infrastructure development and investment promotion efforts of existing transfrontier conservation initiatives.

By Tankiso Spozo

© afrol News

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