South Africa is sending its largest stand alone travel exhibition of the year to Shanghai, to tap into that country's burgeoning travel market, SA Tourism said on Wednesday.

"This is going to be a fantastic experience for the Chinese, which will only be rivaled by an actual visit to South Africa," said Zolelwa Mukhozo, portfolio manager for Asia and Australasia from SA Tourism.

The exhibition, Nan Fei Total -- Nan Fei being Mandarin for South Africa -- will run from Thursday to Saturday at the Shanghai Exhibition Center.

The concept of the exhibition has been described as South African Tourism's most ambitious and exciting global tourist promotional and marketing project ever.

It will give travelers who have thought about visiting South Africa the opportunity to experience the diversity of value for money offerings and experiences on offer.

"We want to make sure that Chinese travelers, and the Chinese travel trade, are given an opportunity to find out why South Africa is one of the world's fastest growing tourist destinations," Mukhozo said.

Nan Fei Total will give potential visitors a taste of going on safari in South Africa and an opportunity to explore the diverse and fascinating cultures.

There will also be a fully equipped shebeen where expo visitors will be able to sample real South African hospitality.

Tourist arrivals from China to South Africa have trebled in 2004 over the previous year.

(Xinhua News Agency September 23, 2005)