South African Tourism successfully introduced thousands of West Coast travel aficionados to the many facets of South Africa as a major sponsor and exhibitor at the 2008 Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show. The two-day event was held at the Long Beach Convention Center, February 9-10, 2008.

As one of the event's major sponsors, South African Tourism hosted four innovative "passport stations" that showcased South Africa's offerings of diverse cultures, wildlife and cuisine, and very importantly, the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, which the continent is proud to be hosting for the first time.  The Shaluza Boot Dancers, an upbeat South African dance troupe gave two rousing performances on the Global Beat Stage; and a wine and cheese reception was held in the South African booth.  South African Tourism's US President Sthu Zungu also hosted two destination workshops on affordable luxury options available in South Africa.

"We were thrilled that South Africa had such a prominent presence at the West Coast's largest consumer travel show" said Sthu Zungu, President of South African Tourism, USA. "We are confident that every traveler who visited our booth is now more aware of South Africa's affordable luxury and adventure travel options. As evidence of this, tour operator partners were pleased with the interest shown in the packages they were promoting during the show."

During the show, South African Tourism ran a competition where visitors who picked up a South African "passport" and had it stamped at the four "passport stations" were entered to win one of five trips for two to South Africa. The drawing, held before the end of the show on Sunday, February 10, yielded winners from Los Angeles, San Dimas, Venice and Torrance, CA; as well as one winner from Bowie, MD.

Co-exhibitors at the South African Tourism booth were South African Airways as well as five prestigious tour operator partners: African Travel Inc., SITA World Tours, Somak Safaris, Visit Southern Africa Vacations and Wildlife Safari.

South African Tourism is mandated with the international tourism marketing activities of the country.  For more information please visit www.southafrica.net