South African Tourism (SAT), in collaboration with Kingfisher Resorts and Royal African Discoveries, recently concluded a familarisation (FAM) trip for select travel agents from India. Representatives from leading travel companies such as Cox and Kings, Alitus Travels, Ekido Tours & Travels, Devam Tours, FCM Travel Solutions, Mercury Travels, Euro Air Voyages & Tours and Sachiya Travels were a part of the South African trip. Underlining the significance of the Indian market for South Africa, the eight-day itinerary by Royal African Discoveries highlighted varied unique experiences at some of the magnificent properties of Kingfisher Resorts.
Commenting on the FAM trip, Hanneli Slabber, Country Manager, SAT said, “Travel agents influence tourism planning decisions and outcomes by being trusted advisors and guides for travel enthusiasts who want to explore the world. How attractive a destination appears to customers depends significantly on how the tour operators package the same. Therefore, continued engagement with the Indian travel trade for training, educating and showcasing the destination is high on our priority. Through this partnership with Kingfisher Resorts we got an opportunity to showcase their extravagant properties and luxury safaris experiences. Royal African Discoveries put together a fantastic itinerary for the group which got the travel agents to experience the innumerable activities on offer for Indian travellers in the Rainbow Nation.”
On this trip, the agents got the opportunity to experience close encounters with the wild at Mabula game lodge, North of Johannesburg and Imbali Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park, witnessed the beauty of the Panorama Route before heading to Cape Town. In the mother city, the agents visited the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, enjoyed a cruise to Seal Island, visited the penguins at Boulders beach, drove through the historic naval base town of Simon’s Town got their adrenaline pumping by shark cage diving and helicopter flip in Cape Town.
Medha Sampat, India Representative, Kingfisher Resorts said, “It was our pleasure to host the team of Indian travel agents in South Africa. The visit provided a great opportunity for us to showcase our world-class service offered at various properties of Kingfisher Resorts spread across picturesque locations in the country. India is a key market for us and we hope that this trip has helped the travel agents to understand the destination better and to promote the innovative products on offer for Indian consumers.”
Pieter Erasmus, Sales Director, Royal African Discoveries stated, “This was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the relationships we believe hold the success to selling South Africa as a destination in the Indian market. The relationships between select travel agents in India, our local suppliers like Kingfisher Resorts, South African Tourism and Royal African Discoveries are key critical to promoting this wonderful destination. This educational allow us the opportunity to interact with these partners as well as showcase South Africa.”
