South African Tourism plans expansion

By Ife Adedapo – Punch News Papers

South African Tourism has appointed Mr. Lehlohonolo Pitso as its new Regional Manager, West Africa. He is to expand the company’s market to other regions.

A statement on Tuesday said Pitso’s role would include the implementation of a marketing strategy for all West African markets, development and growth of trade, media and other stakeholder relationships to ensure a continued robust tourist arrival growth from West to South Africa.

Pitso, also known as Hloni, has a 17-year track record of distinction in the travel and tourism industry. He started his career as a student at Boston City Campus, where he was chosen to join the HRG Rennies Travel Learnership Programme and on graduation, he was appointed as a travel consultant to Rennies.

In addition, he had worked at Air Botswana and as a sales executive at Protea Hotels, after eight months, he was promoted to the post of Sales Manager, Africa.

The firm’s Chief Executive Director, Mr. Thulani Nzima, said that Pitso joined the Africa team of South African Tourism five years ago as the Trade Relations Manager, East Africa, noting that he became the Regional Manager, West Africa, after serving as the Regional Trade Relations Manager, East and West Africa.

As part of the conditions of his appointment, he would relocate to Lagos, Nigeria, to work as South African Tourism’s first regional marketing officer on the continent.

Nzima said, “We are delighted that we have a professional of his calibre to manage our new office in Lagos and our important marketing work, trade relationships and consumer engagement across the West African region.

“West Africa and the entire continent inclusive are vital and valuable market regions for our destination. South Africa consistently records excellent tourist arrival growth from all key African markets.

“South African Tourism made the decision in 2011 to invest R218m in the African markets. The opening of the regional West African office, and Hloni’s appointment, are part of that growth investment.”