Sheryl Ozinsky, one of South Africa’s best known tourism players, has resigned from the board of Cape Town Tourism.
The board confirmed her resignation in a statement on Saturday, saying that Ozinsky was ”seeking challenges that will enable her to use her passion, experience and energy in tourism marketing”.
Ozinsky joined Cape Town Tourism in 1998.
The statement said one of Ozinsky’s big achievements had been the creation of ”a world class” and ”highly regarded” visitor information centre.
Cape Town Tourism chairperson Hennie Taljaard said that Ozinsky had ”never been afraid of tackling controversial tourism issues and addressing difficult issues head on”.
Fedhasa Western Cape chief executive Neil Markovitz said: ”There is no question at all that Sheryl has put her life and soul into brand Cape Town.”
Ozinsky said that she had decided to take a long overdue break.
”It’s not often that you get an opportunity to reflect on what you would like to do with your life and your career. I will spend time contemplating where and how I can best use my expertise and passion for tourism and the city,” she said.
She is currently completing her master’s degree at Stellenbosch University in sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Cape Town Tourism said in a separate statement that the Destination Marketing Organisation (DMO), established when the Western Cape Tourism Act of 2004 came into effect, has plans to establish a voluntary non-profit association, the Cape Town Visitor Services Association (CTVSA).
The DMO has requested that Cape Town Tourism transfer its staff, assets and liabilities to the Association.
The statement said the majority of Cape Town Tourism’s board of directors recommended that its members join the CTVSA. – Sapa