RETOSA News

RETOSA and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) are formalising their relationship as part of efforts to improve the diverse aspects of tourism in the Southern Africa region. As both organisations have specific strengths on which the other may draw, both expect long term advantages which can touch on aspects that, until recently, had been difficult to manage individually.
 
Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) in Southern Africa are gaining more prominence as joint marketing and logistical efforts between RETOSA and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) come to fruition. The initiative is part of a broader TFCA 2010 Development Strategy to position TFCAs as favourable tourist and investment destinations in Southern Africa.
 
Successful meetings between RETOSA and Tourism Indaba organisers Kagiso Exhibitions and Events have identified ways in which the SADC countries can improve prominence at future shows. Held in Durban, KwaZulu Natal each May, Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar.

A promotional video, showcasing Southern Africa and opportunities for tourism investment and development, is being incorporated as a compulsory trailer to the award-winning documentary programme Shark Pit Mystery. Commissioned by the RETOSA Film Resource Fund, the trailer and DVD will be distributed internationally. Using scenic and iconic visuals of Southern Africa, the trailer will highlight the potential for business in each region while emphasising unique opportunities that are safe and logistically sound. The packaged DVD will also include an itemised menu featuring every country with practical information on climate, main attractions, logistics and contact details. Shark Pit Mystery, which features the strange behaviour sharks gathering in large numbers in pits off the coast of Mauritius, is also included in the programming for National Geographic Wild.