Durban, Apr 15: Impressed by the sheer number of Indians of all hues who descended here to cheer its cricket team during the World Cup, organisers of the International Indian Film Academy awards have decided to stage the event in South Africa next month. The IIFA gala show, promoted by Wizcraft International Entertainment Company and co-sponsored by South African tourism, which recently embarked on a programme to actively promote tourism from India to South Africa, will be held in Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg. "The enormous support by the Indians who flocked to South Africa in record numbers to support their team in the World Cup and further enhanced by the attendance of scores of VIPs, government officials and Bollywood stars made a major impact on US", SA tourism chief, Ms Cheryl Carolus said on the factors which influenced the decision. She hoped that the Indian crowd will be back once again to witness the gala event. Carolus said the "unprecedented" showcasing of the country during coverage of the cricket World Cup have boosted South African tourism.

"There is no doubt that South Africa is now firmly placed on the world map for its ability to deliver beyond expectations, particularly as an international events destination, and we can guarantee that the IIFA awards will be no exception", she said.

Carolus said the event would also give the film producers and directors a chance to discuss some of the key issues impacting both on the Indian film industry and also networking with their South African counterparts.

Bureau Report