The national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination, South African Tourism today announced the appointment of  Bradley Brouwer as the new Regional Manager Asia Pacific effective 1 December 2009.

Brouwer’s appointment comes at a crucial time as South Africa gets ready to host the world’s biggest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup in 2010. 

Brouwer’s role will see him take responsibility for Japan, China, South Korea and Hong Kong where his twenty seven years experience in the tourism industry along with his passion for serving South Africa and developing our communities will stand him in good stead. He will be based in Beijing. 

Prior to this appointment Brouwer was South African Tourism’s Country Manager for Japan and South Korea from March 2007. In this role Brouwer successfully strengthened the relationship between South African Tourism and the highly influential Japanese Association of Travel Agents (JATA). In recognition of this special relationship JATA extended the relationship for a second term (never done before) with South Africa. South African Tourism’s relationship with JATA has helped increase awareness of South Africa in Japan. The special relationship has also built travel industry contacts and developed new itineraries to the country, establishing South Africa as an officially recognised destination within the Japanese travel industry. 

“Bradley’s unfailing energy in Japan has helped place South Africa on the map in a country in which, just a few years ago, South Africa barely existed. While we still face the challenges of distance and no direct flights, thanks to Bradley and his wonderful team we are slowly winning the battle in this highly lucrative market” said Evelyn Mahlaba, South African Tourism’s Regional Director for Asia & Australasia.