Putting Jo'burg tourism on the map

"Due to the amazing response to the previous Ultimate Guide & Events Calendar we have had to increase our print run from 50 000 to 150 000 copies. Increasing support from the private sector is indicative of the need for such a brochure," says Deon Viljoen, CEO of the Johannesburg Tourism Company.

In addition to these brochures, two sets of area maps, which is a first for Johannesburg, will also be distributed. The first is a map of Alexandra, Sandton and Greater Rosebank, as well as Midrand, and the second set is of the Heart of the City and the South, including Newtown the CBD, Braamfontein, Soweto and Lenasia.

"These maps will highlight unique attractions in each of the areas. Distributed together with the Ultimate Visitor's Guide & Events Calendar both locally and internationally, they will receive wide exposure and fill a real need to introduce Johannesburg as an exciting and vibrant destination to residents and visitors alike," comments Viljoen.

The Johannesburg Tourism Company's range of 'Enjoy Another Day in Johannesburg' tourism brochures aim to provide tourists and local residents access to extensive information on whatever sector interests them. The brochures cover a variety of different themes, which include anything from birding, business, destinations for kids, golf, health, nightlife shopping, restaurants, architecture and much more.

Plans are afoot to publish the following: Johannesburg's golf courses and golfing events, a pink map, a food and restaurant map, a map for high spender shopping supplemented by a map on bulk-buy shopping. These are planned for the first half of 2005.

"Placing Johannesburg firmly on the map, both locally and internationally is obviously our main focus and we are using various marketing channels to achieve this. Businesses that benefit from tourist spend are encouraged to bring their tourism product or service offering to the fore by having a presence in our relevant tourism marketing publications," says Viljoen.

The revised and updated Ultimate Guide is available to the public free of charge. These brochures, endorsed by the City of Johannesburg can be found at strategic distribution points such as tourism centres, People Centres in all 11 regions of Johannesburg, embassies, shopping complexes, exhibitions, foreign exchange offices, information kiosks, accommodation establishments, libraries, hotels and B&B's, car rental companies, travel agents and many other outlets.

"We have so much to be proud of in Johannesburg and it's time we share our best kept secrets with the rest of the world," concludes Viljoen.