Capetonians prepare to welcome the world in 2010

Photo courtesy yeejeh

September 2009 was World Tourism Month and Cape Town Tourism celebrated with the launch of a World Tourism Month mini-site.

The theme for this year was “Tourism – Celebrating Diversity”, and where better to do this than in South Africa’s Mother City, with its reputation as a free-spirited, cosmopolitan melting pot of cultures?
As a host city for 2010, it’s even more important that we celebrate our diversity and prepare to welcome the world.

Message from the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)

Taleb Rifai, then Secretary-General ad interim of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), had this message to deliver about the theme:

Photo courtesy Clarissa de Wet

“Diversity is one of the driving forces behind tourism and can allow all nations to share the numerous benefits brought about by building stronger ties with other countries. As such, tourism is an undisputed catalyst for building understanding, fostering social inclusion and promoting higher standards of living.

“This type of unity and collaboration is increasingly important as the world comes together to face climate change and ensure sustainable development, particularly in the context of the current economic crisis. These worldwide partnerships allow for a more effective and global response to issues which concern us all.”

Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General a.i. of the UNWTO, taken from the UNWTO website.

World Tourism Month competition

In celebration of World Tourism Month, Cape Town Tourism ran the “My Cape Town” competition, inviting people to submit photos depicting what they thought epitomises Cape Town.

Sivan Miller’s photo of “Sea Point at a glance” won, and he received the grand prize of R15 000.

Photo courtesy Damien du Toit

Celebrating World Tourism Month in Cape Town

More than just a great place to live, Cape Town is also in the enviable position of being a premier tourism destination – especially as it’s a host city for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Capetonians and visitors alike will tell anyone who will listen how wonderful the Mother City is. World Tourism Month simply gave us an excuse to shout that message louder!