South African Tourism backs tourney to increase visitors’ arrivals

(TRAVPR.COM) NIGERIA - July 26th, 2011 - The 2011 Inanda Africa Polo Cup, a one-of-a-kind polo tournament on the African continent will take place from 29 to 31 July in Johannesburg, the single biggest business tourism hub on the African continent.

The premier sporting event will offer a dazzling display of speed and skill from some of the best horsemen on the continent, featuring representative clubs from Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa, as they compete for silverware.

South African Tourism, the national tourism agency responsible for marketing South Africa as a tourist destination, is a partner in this year’s tournament and using it as a platform for brand association and as a draw card to attract visitors from its core market in Nigeria and target market in Ghana as well as other countries across West Africa.

“We are delighted to support the Inanda Africa Polo Cup for the first time this year. The event serves well our core strategy of promoting South Africa to our core and target markets in West Africa particularly in Nigeria and Ghana. It is evidence of the variety of unique and exciting experiences destination South Africa offers,” says Phumi Dhlomo, Regional Director: Africa & Middle East, South African Tourism.

The event offers visitors an experience that is affordable, luxurious, cosmopolitan, vibey, relaxing and showcases high-class fashion and scenic beauty of Johannesburg, the third-most visited destination city in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, and the most visited sub-Saharan city, according to a new survey released by MasterCard.

Linetrale, the Nigerian polo club captained by Mustapha Fasinro will be participating at the tournament alongside other players including Tunde Karim, Kehinde Soyanwo and a South African, David Evans as well as a participating team from Ghana.

Following on the success of last year’s event, the 2011 Inanda Africa Cup polo tournament is not just a visual equestrian spectacular; it’s a lifestyle event. From African high fashion to afro-fusion culinary delights, a host of luxury brands and treats await guests in Inanda.

The event will also feature a groom’s race and the test of ‘horse power’ where a thoroughbred pony races against a high performance vehicle.

Another key feature of this year’s event will be the VIP Fundraising Gala Dinner, hosted on Saturday 30 July 2011, with its aim to raise much-needed funds for the Inanda Club’s chosen beneficiaries, namely: Alexandra Aids Orphans and the Highveld Horse Care Unit.

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