Pretoria — Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk has announced the appointment of Thandiwe Sylvia January-Mclean as the new Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism (SAT).

Currently the South African Ambassador to Portugal, January-Mclean has been appointed for a term of three years effective from January 2010.

In a statement on Wednesday, the minister said that January-Mclean's appointment bodes well for tourism. "We are very excited about having her on board at SAT," said van Schalkwyk.

He was confident that her skills as a consummate manager, her exceptional understanding of the South African brand and her insight into the strategic challenges faced by the tourism industry would serve her well in her new position

"Tourism in South Africa has grown in leaps and bounds in the last decade, but the industry also faces many challenges. I am sure January-Mclean will steer SAT ably in order to take advantage of the new opportunities that lie ahead."

During her term as ambassador, South Africa's relationship with Portugal flourished and there has been significant growth in trade between the two countries as well as tourism from Portugal to South Africa.

Van Schalkwyk expressed his gratitude to Didi Moyle, the Chief Operating Officer of SAT, who has been acting as CEO since March 2009. He said she had served with dedication and professionalism.

"Moyle did an outstanding job as acting Chief Executive Officer during this very busy period as we build up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and it was a privilege to have her at the helm of SAT."

Moyle's passion for tourism and for South Africa was evident in the way she approached her work, said the minister, adding that her enthusiasm and insight was appreciated by all.

"It is a privilege to be able to continue working with her in her capacity as SAT's chief operating officer," he said.