South African Tourism USA Appoints Joshua Smith Manager: Trade Relations

WHY IT RATES: Smith has a deep background in the travel industry and will oversee the West Coast region for South African Tourism USA. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer.

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South African Tourism USA is pleased to announce that Joshua Smith has been appointed Manager: Trade Relations for the West Coast and will be based in Los Angeles.

In his new role, Joshua will support South African Tourism USA’s efforts to boost arrivals from the North American market through the organization's top travel trade partners while cultivating new relationships within the U.S. travel agent and tour operator community.

“We are pleased to welcome Joshua to South African Tourism. Strengthening our trade division is crucial to our strategy and objective to maintain our year on year growth within the North American market. With our newly appointed hire, we look forward to accessing Joshua’s deep-rooted connections in the industry to continue expanding our trade presence,” said Bangu Masisi, president of South African Tourism: Americas.

Smith began his career with Virtuoso where he elevated his portfolio within the luxury leisure network through marketing and educational programs as well as acting as an integrated marketing consultant with over 40 governments.

He later co-founded 45 Degrees Marketing, a representation company promoting international ground operators to the U.S. trade industry, as well as Millennials in Travel, a career development and networking organization for young professionals in the travel industry.

Additionally, Smith’s experience on the board of the U.S. Tour Operators Association conference planning committee and the National Tour Association's Young Professionals Advisory Board, have helped shape his experience and expertise in the ever-changing tourism landscape.

Before joining South African Tourism, Smith launched Global Citizen Journeys, an affiliate of Coastline Travel Advisors, where he created culturally immersive travel experiences for discerning clientele across the globe. Joshua’s industry accolades have seen him recognized on the Hot List of "Rising Stars" by travAlliancemedia and on the cover of Travel Agent Magazine.

With 2018 being the year Nelson Mandela would have turned 100, South African Tourism is encouraging travelers to discover the destination by drawing on Mandela’s iconic life story, highlighting the historic landmarks and sites, to help increase tourism from the North American market.

Travelers interested in following in Mandela’s footsteps can download the Madiba’s Journey app or visit MadibasJourney.SouthAfrica.net to learn more.