Top international tourist publication arrives in Jozi

Published locally by New Media in glossy A4 magazine format, the guide, also known as the international "travellers' bible", sees Johannesburg join the ranks of other top tourist cities such as London, Paris, Athens and Cape Town.

In addition to providing insider information on what is hot and happening, with specialist sections on sightseeing, shopping, dining, clubs, comedy, theatre, art, entertainment, sport and fun for the children, the guide also features 'not-to-be missed' old favourites.

The 96-page guide gives both locals and Johannesburg's two million annual tourists useful information such as insights on the local lingo (Jozi vs Joeys?), a guide to pavement purchases and the shebeen queens of Soweto. Hot dates for your diary including annual picnic concerts, international fashion shows and outdoor adventure expos, where to eat ethnically, hot kugel pulse-points in Sandton, Melrose Arch and Rosebank and the low down on Johannesburg's most notorious landmarks, including Hillbrow's circular 54-storey Ponte Tower aren't forgotten! The Time Out Johannesburg Guide also includes a section for the gay and lesbian market.

Sam Woulidge, editor of the new guide is especially proud of the guide's editorial integrity. "The Time Out Johannesburg Guide provides comprehensive, accurate and honest information to help you decide how and where to spend your free time in South Africa's very own 'Place of Gold' and surrounds." Loved by international travellers for its independent editorial commentary, Woulidge says that the guide has a strong Gauteng flavour credited to a commended team of local contributors, including amongst others journalists Zingi Mkefa (The Star), Diane de Beer (Pretoria News) and Lesley Spiro (Eat In Johannesburg Editor), who have captured the essence of South Africa's very own mining metropolis in a funky, entertaining way.

Attractions further afield are an added bonus with information on trips from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park, Free State, Magaliesberg and Sun City. In a nutshell, it's all you need to know about Johannesburg and tips to help you get from A to B, accommodation suggestions and emergency services, making the guide an essential item in every household and hotel in the region.

Terry Tselane, CEO of the Gauteng Tourism Authority, says the Time Out Johannesburg Guide is long overdue and will help promote Johannesburg even before visitors arrive. "Johannesburg's wealth is not only in its gold, but in its people. Our unique cultural and social legacy is evidenced in our many excellent museums, theatres, galleries, cultural precincts and craft markets. We have a rhythm, movement and style of our own and the guide will help us share this with the rest of South Africa and overseas visitors."