SATSA and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal last week joined forces to host a very successful three-day virtual familiarisation, showcasing key attractions and hidden gems in the province.
As part of this innovative drive 45 KZN products, including hotels, resorts, adventure activities, attractions and transport providers from the Elephant Coast, Midlands, Battlefields, Drakensberg, Durban, as well as the North and South Coasts, presented their destination and products.
We were thrilled with the huge interest for such virtual sessions with over 200 leading national and international Destination Marketing Companies, Tour Operators and Travel Agencies registering, some from as far afield as Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, UK, USA and Vienna.
The initiative was aimed at helping tourism industry players market their tours and activities virtually in readiness for the phased reopening of leisure travel.
Acting CEO of TKZN Phindile Makwakwa said virtual familiarisations provide a wonderful opportunity for KZN to reach out to new tourism trade partners enabling them to sell the destination to a wider global audience.
“This pandemic has further highlighted the importance of partnerships in tourism and we look forward to an even more enhanced relationship with tour operators and buyers globally to ensure that KZN remains a top of mind tourism destination.”
“The virtual tours will go a long way to showcase the myriad of experiences found in the Zulu Kingdom while reassuring our trade partners that we are indeed ready to welcome their clients back to our shores,” she said.
SATSA CEO David Frost said the virtual familiarisations are an opportunity to reimagine how the industry could upskill in times of COVID-19 and beyond.
“By taking this type of educational online, we’re able to expand our reach and provide market access for tourism businesses we would not have been able to necessarily do during the pandemic. We are providing a platform for accessibility and inclusivity.”
“At the same time, we are also meeting demand, as stipulated by our overseas trade partners and travellers, for new products and experiences in less-frequented destinations. A win-win scenario.”
Having gone virtual, it is now much easier to share the experience and you are invited to view the recordings and brochures of each virtual fam as follows:
Durban, North Coast & South Coast: Recording & Brochure
Midlands, Drakensberg & Battlefields: Recording & Brochure
The Elephant Coast: Recording & Brochure