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The Portfolio Committee on Tourism met with the President of The Friendship Group of France and South Africa, Michelle Demessine, and a delegation comprising French Members of Parliament and officials. The objective of the visit is to strengthen relations in tourism and to learn from each other, as France is highly successful in promoting domestic tourism.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism, Ms Beatrice Ngcobo, appreciated the programmes implemented by the French government as a result of the cooperation agreement of 2008 and called for more collaboration between the two countries.

Many training projects are currently underway between France and South Africa, such as the Chefs Programme with the North West Hotel School and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

The French delegation referred to South Africa as a leader in many sectors, especially tourism. The delegation committed to more collaboration and requested that Members and officials conceptualise more programmes on tourism exchange training, teacher exchange programmes, planning for tourism and capacitating tour operators.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism, Ms Beatrice Ngcobo