By Nangamso Mabindla
12 May 2006

BUFFALO City's stand was one of the stars of the show at the annual Tourism Indaba. This is word from the City's communications manager, Darby Gounden.

Gounden said the city's stand had exhibitions from Tourism Buffalo City, the Blue Lagoon Hotel, tour operator Velile Ndlumbini of Imonti Tours and the city's Swedish twin municipality, Gävle.

The indaba took place at the International Convention Centre and the Durban Exhibition Centre in Durban from 6 to 9 May. It has established itself as the premier travel and trade exhibition in Africa, and is rated in the top three travel trade shows in the world.

Thousands of local and international visitors, including government representatives, tour operators, travel agencies, conference organisers and international media attend the indaba every year.

"Our stand was well received with people giving themselves time to have a look at our products," Gounden said. "They were very impressed with what we had to offer in terms of accommodation, sports tourism and other attractions in our city."

Tourism Buffalo City used the indaba as a platform to launch its new accommodation brochure. "The brochure drew a lot of attention to our stand as it gives a guide to some of our best hotels, bed and breakfasts and other accommodation. Visitors were also impressed by the Blue Lagoon Hotel," Gounden added.

The recently launched golfing brochure was another attraction at the stand. "Golf is on the up in the country and around the world – we also want to stake a claim and showcase our world-class golf facilities to the rest of South Africa and ultimately the world."

However, for Gounden the highlight of the indaba was the visit to the stand by Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. "She was very impressed with our stand and the products on offer in Buffalo City. That to us was a highlight as there were many stands she could have gone to."