Kathryn Monaco, Protea Hotels; David Patrick, Rovos Rail; Moira Smith, Goway; Michael Lutzeyer, Grootbos Private Game Reserve & Goway's Belinda Combrink
Blaisila Hoffman, Creole Travel Services & Patrick Mbalo, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal
Andrea Hugo, Desert & Delta Safaris; Bharat Shah, Vintage Africa & Lemala Camps & Mark Rushmere, Kariega Game Reserve
The event was so popular, extra chairs were brought in
When it comes to Africa, people have the tendency to get a little excited.
Such was the atmosphere at Goway Travel's dedicated African event, “G'day to Africa,” featuring suppliers from Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
In a highly subscribed 2 day affair at the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel, the 1st evening featured a tradeshow where agents had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the 22 suppliers.
Goway's G.M. for Africa, Moira Smith, wrapped up the evening with a general overview of each destination. Attendee numbers exceeded what the organizers had initially planned and extra chairs had to be brought in.
The next day consisted of in-depth 45 min. talks on each destination. Besides agents, this series of presentations was also open to the public.
It was Tourism KwaZulu-Natal's Patrick Mbalo's 1st time attending the event. “We have noticed that since the FIFA World Cup in 2010, U.S. and Canada have posted increased numbers,” he said. “People have new awakened interest in Africa.” Mbalo was touting his region's diverse offerings of safari, beach, culture, shopping and cuisine.
“Although Africa is an expensive destination, it is on everyone's bucket list,” said Belinda Combrink, Goway’s Product Manager – Africa & Middle East. According to Combrink, South and East Africa seem to be the more popular destinations. Travellers tend to fall within the 60+ age group. Visitors in their 30s are growing in numbers too, although they tend to travel more frugally by opting for experiences like camping.
The Goway African edition is taking the 4th anniversary of their show on the road to YYC and YTO next.
