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South African-born comedian Urzila Carlson has been named as the new Australasian Ambassador of South African Tourism, representing the country as part of an ongoing campaign to encourage Australians, New Zealanders and South African expats living in those countries to visit one of the most diverse destinations in the world.

To mark the start of the ambassadorship, Carlson embarked on a visit to South Africa earlier this month where she travelled from the Northern Cape through to Cape Town, followed by visits to Johannesburg, Soweto, the Kruger National Park and Durban before concluding her adventure in Port Elizabeth.

Over two weeks, Carlson immersed herself in a true South African experience, including stargazing at Khomani San Park, wine-tasting at Delaire Graff in the Cape Winelands, taking in bird’s eye views of Table Mountain, cycling through the township of Soweto, meeting the local endangered African Penguins at Boulders Beach, and embarking on a sensory adventure with a Durban spice markets culinary tour. With an itinerary designed to bring-to-life the best South Africa has to offer, Carlson engaged with the country’s rich history, friendly people, incredible wildlife and unforgettable food and wine culture.

“South Africa is and always will be a very special place for me, so I’m very excited to be sharing my love of the country with others as part of my role as ambassador.

“A lot has changed over the years for the better and many people don’t realise that South Africa has some of the world’s best in food and wine, adventure activities and cultural experiences at incredible value for money for Australian and Kiwi travellers. It feels like I’ve come full circle and can’t wait to encourage others to discover all that this great country has to offer,” said Carlson.

South African Tourism’s Hub Head for Australasia, Mosilo Sofonia, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to announce Urzila as the new ambassador for South African Tourism. Her straight-up sense of humour combined with her South African roots make her the perfect fit to help tell the country’s story to a Kiwi and Aussie audience.”

Carlson, who grew up on the Ingwelala Game Reserve, next to Kruger National Park a few hours from Johannesburg before coming to New Zealand in 2008, will play an integral part in promoting South Africa to holidaymakers and expats. A series of content from her visit will be published on South African Tourism’s social channels.

Carlson will also host all five of South African Tourism’s Meet South Africa Roadshows across Australia and New Zealand; evenings promising South African-inspired food, wine and entertainment. The comedian will provide plenty of laughs, video highlights from her grand tour, and facilitate interviews with a panel of top travel operators.

Expat South Africans living in Australia, and their Aussie mates, will also have the opportunity to hear Urzila’s stories as she takes on the role of MC at South African Tourism’s expat events in Sydney and Perth.

Carlson will head back to South Africa with her family on a further visit to her home country in January 2019.