South Africa inks deal with Tencent to attract more Chinese tourists

South Africa has inked a two-year agreement with Chinese Internet firm Tencent that will use its popular WeChat platform to market tourism to millions in China, an official has said. 

The cooperation is expected to assist South Africa to have direct access to millions of potential Chinese travelers to market the country as a destination of choice “This strategic co-operation agreement is one of many initiatives developed to increase arrivals from China to South Africa,” said South African tourism minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane in a statement. 

“Tencent, through its popular platform, WeChat, will assist us to access multiple segments of the Chinese traveler’s market. In addition to customized market for each market segment, Tencent platforms will also enrich Chinese traveler’s experience when they travel to South Africa.” 

The partnership aims to position South Africa as a preferred tourism destination in China through digital marketing campaigns on WeChat, as well as other platforms within the Tencent ecosystem. 

Tencent will also assist SA Tourism with knowledge transfer programme on best practices for Destination Development. The Chinese Internet firm will also advise SA Tourism on how South Africa can accelerate the implementation of WeChat Pay for Chinese travelers visiting to South Africa.