Opinion makers, Italian business and sports officials were today (13 March 2007) treated to a feast of what the province can offer - its rolling hills, its transport infrastructure, its untouched beaches and its overall tourism and economic potential. Among them were officials of the Italian Soccer Federation and Italian media.

Premier Ndebele hosted this top level Italian delegation at the Durban Hilton Hotel. The group then undertook a tour to the International Convention Centre, the new stadium under construction, the Durban Harbour and other tourist spots in the province.

Head of the delegation, Mauro Agostini, the Italian Under-Secretary of State for International Commerce told delegates that the Italian Foreign Minister will lead a business delegation of 250 top end decision makers who will come to KZN in July to further assess the potential the province can offer.

The purpose of the delegation’s trip, which started their tour a week ago, was to examine and study places (within the main cities of South Africa) that could potentially host the Italian national soccer team in preparations for the 2010 World Cup.

The delegation will also examine the opportunities available for Italian investments in the economic, tourism and sporting sectors of South Africa.

Premier Ndebele was not shy too woo the Italians. He said : "Never in the history of South Africa has a single sporting event so focused the minds of our people as the 2010 Soccer World Cup."

"It is truly an event that has captured the imagination of our people. Having already reached the status of an international host for events such as the Comrades Marathon, the Dusi Canoe Marathon, the A1 Grand Prix and so on, the Soccer World Cup is the culmination of our young nation and province’s aspirations to become the Home of Sport."

"KwaZulu-Natal has the climate, the facilities and more importantly, we have a passion for the game of soccer. Weekend in weekend out, our people in every corner of the country, in the rural backwaters, in the townships and suburbs display their passion for soccer by being glued to the radio, television or playing the game themselves."

The Premier said the crucial challenge for KZN, was to assess how 2010 could be harnessed to bring about long term and sustainable socio-economic advantages to the province. Source : Source : SAGI, 13 March 2007

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