ONE of eight British mayors who came to South Africa for a fact-finding mission said on Monday that she had learned much and was overwhelmed by the friendly reception. “I have certainly learned a lot and realise now just how important tourism can be in helping to alleviate the poverty in your country. I definitely want to come back for a holiday in my private capacity,” Portsmouth mayor Elaine Baker said. South Africa Tourism representative Liz Sheridan told a news briefing that the mayors’ visit aimed to improve tourism, economic and cultural ties between the two countries. “I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and friendliness of the South African people and I will do all I can to spread the word about what a great place South Africa is to visit,” Baker told journalists. The mayors, who come from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Portsmouth, Swansea, Westminster and York, arrived in Cape Town last Wednesday and visited the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal province and Johannesburg. – AFP