South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, has been invited to lead a new United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) commission on tourism and development.

A guided tour of key Johannesburg sites linked to Nelson Mandela has long been popular with visitors and residents alike, but the organised walk through Ferreirasdorp, a western Johannesburg suburb where the anti-apartheid hero first practised law, has become more poignant as Madiba's health declines.

South African Tourism, organiser of annual events Meetings Africa and the tourism Indaba, is more committed than ever to ensure these trade shows provide the best possible platforms in response to the rapidly growing interest in the African tourism marketplace.

Registration has opened for World Travel Market (WTM) 2013, which will take place in London from 4 to 7 November this year.

The Lilizela Service Excellence Awards will identify and reward tourism businesses that work passionately and with pride to help enhance South Africa’s global destination competitiveness.