The just concluded, Tourism Indaba 2017 has been deemed a tremendous success. The event which held in the Kwazulu Natal province of South Africa from the 16th to the 18th of May saw a growth in visitors by a whopping 20%. This year’s African Travel Indaba attracted about 7000 delegates, including 1449 local and international buyers, as well as more than 1000 exhibiting businesses from 18 African countries showcasing a diverse array of travel and tourism offerings. A total of 692 registered media representatives attended the show, an 8% increase over 2016.
Welcome to Indaba video:
Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South African Tourism mentioned while speaking at the launch, “All signs point to Africa being the new tourism frontier”. He further went on to speak about the global increase in international arrivals of 3.9% which exceeded the global increase in international arrivals overall. “So Africa is definitely the happening place to be, with vast untapped tourism potential that could buoy the greater African economy and contribute its prosperity”, he said. Mr Ntshona’s statement was further reinforced by South African President Jacob Zuma who, in officially opening this year’s travel show on Tuesday 16 May, referred to it as “a wonderful way to celebrate Africa Month and to showcase the beauty of our country and our continent. This week we bring Africa and the world together at this home-grown trade show where Africa markets itself to the world.” With an air of satisfaction, Zuma revealed that more than a billion people now travel around the world every year, and world international tourist arrivals grew by 4% on average with Africa enjoying an 8% increase in international tourist arrivals to reach 58 million arrivals. This meant that Africa is growing at twice the rate of the global average. In this spirit, the president urged that Africa ought to work together as global partners. West Africa is firmly carried along, as SAT West Africa further strengths partnership and collaboration by hosting 28 Nigerian Tourism delegates that at this year’s Indaba. The West African team were also treated to an especially engaging media session with SAT’s CEO Ntshona and Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa where the discussion revolved around promoting tourism in Africa as a whole. During the 2-day travel show, the delegates were able to interact with top international buyers. In addition to the partnership, for the first time ever in Nigeria’s history, the Director General of National Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in his office as DG visited the indaba. He was joined by three trade associations, NANTA, TOUGHA and NATOP. CEO of Tour Operators Union of Ghana, Mrs Nancy Quartey-Sam said, “Every time I come to the indaba, there is something new. The Indaba is an important platform to promote African tourism to Africa.” While the DG of NTDC, Mr Folorunsho Coker spoke of the travel show being for Africa as a whole. “It is setting the pace for a Pan-African gathering where eventually every African country will be represented”, he motioned. With exhibitor opportunities now being extended to West Africa, we can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store. Indaba opens up channels for Nigeria and Ghana to further develop the growing tourism industry, meet with top international buyers, in turn showcasing unique products and tourism experiences here in West Africa. 2017 Indaba also saw the launch of South Africa’s “I Do Tourism” marketing campaign, which will highlight how tourism, a rapidly growing sector, has the potential to change people’s lives for the better by making a direct and tangible contribution to inclusive economic growth. This statement by Bankole Bernard,the president of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies sums it all up: “My perspective this year on indaba is totally different from last year. Last year was my first indaba and we came to observe. This year, I see how the event is no longer a South African one but an African one that is seeking to gather the entire continent together and showcase its products, anchored and hosted by South Africa.” Post Indaba, the West African delegates continue on enjoying the beautiful sights and experiences South Africa has to offer. Indaba was significant in uniting Africans for a cause that may well put Africa on the map as a continent known for something other than her obsoleteness as is often depicted. Africa is a treasury that must be exhibited. Let’s all do tourism and work to unfolding its road map! “ If tourism wins, we all win,” Ntshona said. Follow us on Instagram @Travel2sa Twitter: Travel2SA1 Facebook – Travel to Southafrica INDABA: www.indaba-southafrica.co.za South African Tourism: www.southafrica.net ]]>
People & Lifestyle
Is a Free VPN Safe to Use? Exploring the Risks and Benefits
In our current digital age, online privacy and security have become an importantt concerns for internet users around the world. With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and data breaches, people are actively seeking ways to protect their online activities. Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, have gained popularity as tools that promise safeguarding your digital footprint. While there are many VPN options available, free VPNs, in particular, have garnered significant attention due to their accessibility. In this article, we will explore the risks and benefits of using a free VPN, with a focus on free VPN for Windows.
Understanding VPNs: What Are They?
Before delving into the world of free VPNs, let’s understand what a VPN is and how it works. A VPN is essentially a service that establishes a secure, encrypted connection between your device (in this case, your Windows PC) and a remote server. This connection masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for third parties, such as hackers or government agencies, to monitor your online activities.
The Benefits of Using a Free VPN
Enhanced Privacy: One of the primary advantages of using a free VPN is the boost in online privacy. Your internet service provider (ISP), websites, and even potential cybercriminals won’t be able to track your online behavior when you’re connected to a VPN.
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: Free VPNs often allow users to access geo-restricted content. For example, if a streaming platform or website is only accessible in certain regions, a VPN can make it appear as though you’re browsing from an eligible location.
Protection on Public Wi-Fi: When you connect to public Wi-Fi networks, your data becomes vulnerable to interception. A free VPN can add an extra layer of security when you’re using unsecured public Wi-Fi at cafes, airports, or hotels.
The Risks Associated with Free VPNs
Data Logging: Many free VPN providers track and log user data. This can include your online activities, websites visited, and even personal information. This data may then be sold to third parties or used for targeted advertising.
Inadequate Security Measures: Some free VPNs might not implement robust encryption protocols, leaving your data vulnerable to breaches or leaks.
Limited Features: Free VPNs often come with limitations, such as slower connection speeds, data caps, and fewer server locations. These restrictions can hinder your online experience.
Malware and Adware: Some free VPN services have been found to include malware or adware in their software, potentially infecting your device.
Uncertain Jurisdiction: Free VPN providers can be based in countries with lax data privacy laws, which means they may not be obligated to protect your data.
Choosing the Right Free VPN for Windows
If you decide to use a free VPN for your Windows device, it’s essential to exercise caution and select a reputable service. Here are some simple tips for selecting the right one:
Read Reviews: Research and read user reviews and expert opinions to find out which free VPNs have a good reputation for security and privacy.
Check for No-Logs Policy: Look for a free VPN that has a strict no-logs policy. This means they don’t store your online activities or personal information.
Transparent Privacy Policy: Ensure that the VPN provider has a clear and transparent privacy policy that explains how they handle your data.
Encryption Standards: Check what encryption standards the VPN employs. The stronger, the better.
Server Locations: Opt for a free VPN with multiple server locations so you can access content from different regions.