Gauteng Tourism welcomes new boss

SIPHIWE Ngwenya has been
appointed the new ceo of the
Gauteng Tourism Authority.
The former Gauteng Growth
and Development Agency
head took over from former
Gauteng Tourism ceo, Dawn
Richardson, on December 1.
“I have come into this
role with big goals and even
bigger expectations,” Siphiwe
said.
He told TNW his main
goal was to increase and
promote Gauteng Tourism
as a brand both locally and
internationally. “I want to
ensure that we establish
Gauteng as more than a
transit destination.”
Gauteng Tourism would
prioritise solidifying a
partnership with the travel
and tourism sector to fulfil
this goal, said
Siphiwe. “We
need to establish
a partnership or
‘brand alliance’
with travel
agents and
tour operators
to showcase
the various
attractions on
offer in Gauteng.”
To start the
partnership, the
Gauteng Tourism
Authority offices in the
Johannesburg CBD would
act as a concierge platform
for all travellers and tourism
service providers looking for
more information, Siphiwe
revealed.
“By the end of the next
financial year, our offices
at the Gauteng Tourism
Authority will be a onestop
shop of
facilities that
can advise about
visa issues,
safety and
entertainment.”
Gauteng
Tourism would
also address
challenges
relating to
permits and
tourism grading
as part of
the concierge
service, Siphiwe added.
“Ultimately, I hope to tackle
the negative perceptions
plaguing Gauteng –
particularly those relating
to fraud and safety – and
showcase it as a destination
of substance with endless
activities and attractions for
both corporate and leisure
travellers to enjoy.