DESIGN EXPERT NICK COMPTON CHAMPIONS SOUTH AFRICA’S STATUS AS A WORLD LEADER IN DESIGN DURING WTM 2013
2014 is set to be a milestone year for South Africa – as well as marking twenty years since Nelson Mandela became President, Cape Town will be crowned World Design Capital 2014, beating off stiff competition from Bilbao and Dublin to take over from Helsinki.
Following the use of the hugely popular hashtag #MeetSouthAfrica at Indaba 2013, South African Tourism (SA Tourism) will be using this hashtag along with the official World Design Capital hashtag #WDC2014 ahead of WTM 2013 to further promote destination South Africa as a premier world-class tourism destination.
In addition to connecting with trade partners, visitors and press on Twitter, SA Tourism has teamed up with design expert Nick Compton to celebrate South Africa’s position as a vibrant, creative and cosmopolitan country and a world leader in design, through a dedicated design themed social media competition.
Tweeters will be encouraged to share their own experiences and knowledge of South African art & design by entering a design-themed Twitter competition. Entrants will be asked to upload photographs on Twitter that capture how they see South Africa as centre of art and design. The winner, selected by Nick on the final day of WTM, Thursday 7 November, will receive a hand-crafted vase from award-winning ceramic designer Andile Dyalvane from Cape Town’s IMISO Ceramics.
Throughout the competition, Nick will share his knowledge and unique insights into South African design on Twitter (@NickPCompton).
Thulani Nzima, Chief Executive Officer at South African Tourism says “In the build-up to what will be a momentous year for South Africa, where our Mother City will use World Design Capital 2014 to highlight the creativity of its city, country and continent, we are thrilled to be working with Nick Compton – a revered expert within the design industry – to showcase South Africa’s design credentials at this year’s WTM. Here at SA Tourism, we believe that social media can positively influence lead generation, increase brand awareness and ultimately drive tourist arrivals to our country”.
Nick Compton, Senior Contributing Editor at Wallpaper* says: “South Africa is an area we’ve given more and more space to in Wallpaper* over the last few years as both Johannesburg and Cape Town have emerged as international class creative hubs, focal points for African art and design. And Woodstock and the Maboneng Precinct, though obviously not without their critics, have begun to offer new visions of city life in South Africa and beyond. Of course, you have to do more than celebrate a cluster of design studios, third wave coffee spots and bike repair shops. You have to look for the specific and the sustainable. All of which makes Cape Town’s stint as World Design Capital next year so fascinating and encouraging. Here is a chance to look at design, and the importance of good design, in the broadest sense. And have a conversation that should be heard around the world.”
Minister of Tourism in South African, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, will be at the SA Tourism stand (AF 300) during the afternoon of Tuesday 5 November and will address visitors and guests at 4pm.
In the true spirit of the creativity that will be celebrated at this year’s WTM, the Minister’s address will come shortly after a brief fashion show at 3.30pm in which models will showcase couture interpretations of South Africa’s eight World Heritage Sites from four of the country’s celebrated fashion designers - David Tlale, Marianne Fassler, Thula Sindi and Nkhensani Nkosi – dancing to the beats of a silent disco. Headphones will be provided enabling all stand visitors to participate, and music will be amplified through the PA system on the stand after the Minister’s speech and through till 6pm.
ENDS
Issued by Kallaway on behalf of South African Tourism
For further information contact:
Juan Herrada at SA Tourism
Tel: 020 8971 9350
Email: juan@southafrica.net
Daniela Marchesi and Susannah Glynn at Kallaway
Tel: 020 7221 7883
Email:
Daniela.Marchesi@kallaway.com / Susanah.Glynn@Kallaway.com
Website www.southafrica.net
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About South Africa
Nearly half a million tourists from the UK are drawn to South Africa each year, lured by its rich history, vibrant contemporary culture, scenic beauty and wildlife. The country’s iconic attractions include Mvezo, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, cosmopolitan Cape Town and the 5.2sq mile Kruger National Park. South Africa was the first country in the world to include Responsible Tourism as part of government policy and for almost 20 years has acted as a major driving force for change in the sector. The visitor to South Africa can expect an unparalleled authentic experience, accommodation which is sustainable as it is stylish and affordable getaways which don’t cost the Earth.
About South African Tourism
South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination.
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