JOHANNESBURG, May 23 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's upcoming elections will not affect the arrival of international tourists and the country will continue to boost the tourism market to attract international visitors, said Deputy Minister of Tourism Fish Mahlalela on Thursday.
"The elections will have no impact on tourism. We still remain on forums like some international trade shows, and we will continue to showcase our products and services at various forums to attract more tourists to visit the country," Mahlalela said while briefing the media in Nelspruit, capital of Mpumalanga Province.
If re-elected, the government will continue with its policies and focus on using tourism to create jobs and grow the economy, he said, adding that South Africa will maintain good relations with African countries, which are the major sources of tourist arrivals.
Mahlalela called on the media to assist the country in its quest to increase international tourism, adding that some local media portray the country "in a bad light," thereby discouraging tourists from visiting South Africa.
South Africa is scheduled to hold the national and local government elections on May 29.
