Two days before Madiba’s birthday, thousands of United Kingdom-based The Telegraph readers voted South Africa the greatest country in the world. The welcome news comes after the devastation caused by travel restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic that gripped the world earlier, which left South African tourism in the doldrums.
The City of Johannesburg hopes the UK accolade will mean more English tourists touching down on Mzansi to lap up the local delights and sights.
Laura Vercueil, the Public Relations and Communications Manager for Joburg Tourism, says the award means a lot for the country and its major tourist destinations such has Johannesburg.
“South Africa receiving this award brings a multitude of hope to everyone working within the tourism space. The Joburg Tourism Company for one is hopeful that it will increase the visits to our City immensely,” she says.
Vercueil says that South Africa is one of the countries with the richest history, offering a diverse narrative of cultural activities to see and experience. She adds that Johannesburg being an economic hub of the country should take this crown and use it to remind visitors and residents of just how precious the city really is.
Vercueil says Johannesburg was founded 137 years ago in 1886, and is one of the world’s youngest major cities – and the only one not founded on a major waterway (bay or large river). It is also home to the world’s largest man-made forest and fabulous weather. These are just a few diverse features of the city that some 8 million people call home.
“We do not take away that every city including ours is not without its challenges. We do still face unemployment and the usual crime and grime but it is up to us to try and turn those narratives into something more positive,” she says.
Vercueil adds that in spite of Joburg’s youthfulness in global city terms, it’s undeniably a treasure trove of economic, social, political and anthropological history.
The City boasts layer upon layer of fascinating history, development and human interest stories – of course not forgetting the leisure and lifestyle aspects of entertainment, shopping, fashion, the arts, culture and music.
“As the Joburg Tourism Company, we would also like to acknowledge Cape Town that was crowned the favourite city. It is an amazing destination that holds its own jewels and gems. Our country as a whole with all its attractive cities should benefit from such an astounding accomplishment,” says Vercueil.
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
26/07/2023