Promoting downtown Jozi - launch of JCTA

It has been started by a group of key role players in the hospitality, transport, retail and travel agency sectors in the Johannesburg CBD and Braamfontein, who see the need for a collaborative body, representing all those involved in various facets of tourism in the city.

"Johannesburg is such a diverse, dynamic and energetic city with vast potential to grow urban tourism, much as other major cities in the world such as London and New York. The formation of JCTA will provide a platform to strengthen and forge partnerships and relationships amongst members and industry to share information, challenges and solutions for the greater benefit of the city. It also offers the opportunity to put collaborative effort in what we have to offer to local and international visitors. An example of this is the recent Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, where hotels and event organisers in the City put together "Joy of Jazz" packages for visitors," says JCTA acting chairman, Isaac Chalumbira.

The JCTA logo, depicting a complicated network of pinheads, emphasises the overlapping connections between people and places.

The 'Action Team', which has registered the company and drafted a constitution, is inviting the following sectors to sign up as founder members of JCTA: associations and agencies; destination management companies; education, business and politics; hotels and hospitality; precincts and security; travel, tour and walking tours.

For more information, email the JCTA Secretariat on az.oc.atcj@tairaterces.