SOUTH AFRICA: South Africa Luring Indian Tourists

South Africa has identified India as a key focus market for boosting tourism and it will shortly launch an aggressive campaign to attract tourists from there.

South African Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom announced this at the INDABA tourism fair here. He said that the country had received more than 80,000 Indian tourists last year and his ministry planned to dedicate to India a significant part of its advertising budget of nearly $8 million this year, with the objective of boosting significantly the arrivals from India.

"India has a huge potential and our challenge is to see what is needed in order for this market to grow and for us to get a fair share of the huge pool of Indian travellers," Hanekom told this correspondent.

He said Indian travellers felt at home in South Africa as they had a very large population of people of Indian origin, especially in Durban.

"Mahatma Gandhi had also lived here in Durban. Here, just like in India, we have different cultures and different religions living in harmony with one another," he added.

INDABA, which means gathering in Zulu, has positioned itself as the largest tourism fair in the African continent and attracts participation from all African countries which come to display their new products and services, as tourism is an essential sector for creating employment as well as economic growth in the least developed continent in the world.

"The safari experience is certainly one of the key selling point of Africa. We don't have the Taj Mahal or some of the incredible sites that you have in India, but here in South Africa, you can be guaranteed to see the Big 5 (Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffaloes and Leopards) in just one, single safari," Hanekom said.

Tourism to South Africa and other African countries was severely hit by fears arising from the fresh outbreak of Ebola epidemic in West African nations of Liberia, Sierre Leone and Guinea. The market has begun to show signs of recovery, now that the outbreak has subsided.

The minister said that tourists' fears were misplaced about contracting the virus in South Africa. "In fact, Europeans were much closer to where Ebola was happening than we were in South Africa," Hanekom said.

Apart from a subsiding Ebola, Hanekom placed his hopes on boosting arrivals from India on the ease of visa regulations for Indians visiting South Africa. Earlier, the visa regulations were strict and it would take up to three weeks for getting permission to travel. In April this year, after Hanekom's visit to India, the norms have been eased and visas should be easier and quicker to obtain for Indians.

"The problem is that our consulate and embassies were having difficulties in answering and handling the visa demands during the peak travel season in India and it often took up to three weeks for delivering visas. That is simply too long. I am convinced that if we manage to make the visa easier we can double the numbers in a couple of years," Hanekom explained.

For many Indians, the country is also perceived as an elite and expensive destination just like European countries, but in recent months a weakening Rand has allowed more Indians to visit and spend more.

Another peculiarity of the Indian travellers is that they like to visit several countries on a trip. While in Europe and North America it is simpler due to visa-free travel between nations, it is still a challenge in Africa.

This point was a focus of discussions at the INDABA this year and various African countries have begun looking at how to facilitate such seamless travel in Africa. Hanekom admitted that security and instability issues in some African nations remained an important barrier to visa-free travel within the continent.

The minister also allayed fears of travellers that that some areas in South Africa were unsafe.

Hanneli Slabber, country manager of South Africa Tourism in India, said: "I guess you have to beware of pickpockets anywhere in the world. Indians visiting South Africa enjoy adventure and activities and they buy triple the amount of activities than those from other nations. Indian women are actually leading in terms of numbers and they like the country and feel safe."

Slabber said that now a lot of vegetarian options, including vegan and Jain food, are available in the country and there were several Indian restaurants. "Our cuisine is influenced by Indian curries as well and a lot of South Africans, not necessarily of Indian origin, can cook good Indian cuisine," he added.

However, in a blow to tourism from India, the national carrier, South African Airways, facing a shortage of aircraft, has stopped the only direct flights from India (Mumbai) to South Africa, forcing Indian tourists to go for alternatives like Emirates or Qatar with one-stop flights.

SOUTH AFRICA: Lion And Safari Park To Open North Of Lanseria.

The Lion and Safari Park will open soon at a new location north of Lanseria. A confirmed opening date will be announced at Indaba in May.

Plains game will roam in a pristine environment of 800 hectares of indigenous vegetation. Predators including lion, cheetah and wild dogs will be located in brand new habitats, custom-built to best represent their natural environment.

While the lion cub interaction has been cancelled, a range of other animal ambassadors will be available for visitors to experience close up. This includes the hand feeding of numerous animals including the park’s world famous giraffe.

Andre La Cock, a Manager at the Lion and Safari Park, says: “Our vision is to practice ethical eco-tourism through research, education and conservation. We have established a full time research team, including a specialist who is studying Black-backed jackals. We also have a top class guide trainer who has ensured that our guides will be amongst the most professional and well informed nature guides in the country. Visitors will experience our famous guided game drives, explore the state-of-the-art facilities and delight in the many new activities on offer.”

The new location on the R512 opposite Lesedi Cultural Villlage features the largest thatch domes in the country, which form the ‘5 dome shopping experience’ and is situated within indigenous gardens.

Visitors will be able to dine at one of several top-class restaurants, including the Buck ‘n Bull Grillhouse and the Wetlands Bar, whilst viewing a wide variety of wildlife grazing and drinking in their natural habitat.

TANZANIA: KILIFAIR Exhibition PreparationsUnderway

THE Kilimanjaro Tourism and Industry Fair organization plans to hold an international trade fair to be held at Ushirika Sports Stadium here.

Co-directors of the organization, famously referred to as KILIFAIR, Mr Tom Kunkler and Dominic Shoo said here that more than 250 exhibitors from more than 25 countries are expected to participate.

So far more than 154 exhibitors from Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zanzibar, India, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia have registered for the fair to take place in early June.

The fair will include three days of networking and workshops for tourism industry, while there will feature also African fashion, arts and crafts.

Mr Kunkler said the fair that started last year at a different place here, is aimed at promoting tourism, industry and trade under the motto ‘Boosting Tanzania Tourism’.

“The fair is representing and promoting the Kilimanjaro Region and the Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa), to East Africa and to the rest of the world.

“Next to local and international tourism related companies, sponsors and several Tanzania organizations such as the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB),Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), have already signed in for 2016,” said the directors in their communiqué.

Mr Shoo said they are proud to that exhibitors and pre-registered buyers from over 25 countries already have affirmed participation.

“KILIFAIR 2015, motivated 168 exhibitors, 185 visiting East African based on tour companies and more than 3,000 individual visitors participated.

No doubt that 2016 will break that record due to extended marketing campaigns in Tanzania, East Africa and at international trade fairs in Europe,” he said.

He noted that the KILIFAIR team attended in Kampala, Uganda ‘The Pearl of Africa’ fair and was expected to be present at major fairs such as ‘SITE’ in Dar es Salaam, ‘Magical Kenya’, ‘WTM’ in London, ‘ITB’ in Germany and ‘INDABA’ in Durban, South Africa.

SOUTH AFRICA: Africa’s Top Travel Show Indaba Takes Place 7-9 May 2016

Early bird registration extended and various discount structures on offer to qualifying exhibitors.

South African Tourism, the owners and hosts of Africa’s most widely represented trade show, INDABA, announced today that the early bird registration has been extended. Exhibitors now have until 30 November to sign their contract and pay 100% of the exhibition fees to benefit.

In addition, the rate increases for INDABA 2016 will be kept to a minimum with additional value –add package options and structure discounts on offer for exhibitors.

In its 32 years of existence, INDABA has grown to become one of the biggest tourism marketing events on the African continent. Staged in the coastal city of Durban, the tradeshow has proven to be a valuable business platform.

Particularly for local and continental tourism product owners who are looking to do business with buyers who have been stringently vetted by South African Tourism.

The 2015 exhibitors saw a total of 1029 exhibiting companies at the show and were frequented by 1595 international buyers from 66 countries.

INDABA is a truly global tradeshow offering exhibitors from South Africa and the rest of the world a business platform to meet and do business with global buyers in one central venue.

South African Tourism has heeded the call from the industry to make participation as affordable as possible, and has extended the early bird registration.

This, in addition to the other discounts made available, makes exhibiting at INDABA an affordable business generating opportunity.

INDABA takes place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Centre from 7-9 May 2016.

The Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC complex will once again host INDABA. Here are a few fun facts worth considering:

The ICC is just minutes from Durban’s Golden Mile – where the city’s beaches and high-rise hotels enjoy glorious views of the Indian Ocean.
The ICC was voted Africa’s Leading Conference Centre at the World Travel Awards for 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009.
The entire complex has been named in honour of iNkosi Albert Luthuli who was president of the African National Congress from December 1952 until his death in 1967. He is one of the world’s most highly respected African leaders and in 1960 he received the Nobel Peace Prize. His spirit of African optimism continues to thrive through the hallowed halls of the ICC.
The ICC boasts a definite African flair, breath taking architecture and state-of-the art technology. It was built in 1997 by the eThekwini municipality to the value of R260 million and was South Africa’s first purpose-built international conference venue. Nowadays the venue can accommodate up to 10 000 conference delegates.
The Durban Exhibition Centre – opened in March 1966 - is situated directly opposite the ICC, with its exhibition halls offering up a combined space of 11,879 metres squared and side venues offering a combined 997 metres squared, all of which are always well-utilised every year for INDABA. Note to buyers: Forget fashion when coming to INDABA comfortable shoes are essential!
The ICC Durban has a dedicated Environmental Policy and the establishment is ‘committed to reducing its environmental impact through the application and management of internationally responsible and sustainable business practices.’ With a focus on minimizing usage of energy, water and material as well as recycling resources – this year’s INDABA is no doubt going to qualify as a fully GREEN INDABA.

A focal point of Durban's business district, the International Convention Centre Durban is a functional space in an aesthetic environment. Centrally located and just a quarter of an hour from the airport, ICC Durban is minutes from hotels and beaches. Palm trees form a welcoming avenue while at the entrance to the centre three baobabs, Africa's tree giants, bid a regal greeting.

The International Convention Centre Durban (ICC) is one of the most advanced conference facilities in the world. Flexibility and versatility are key factors in the design of this state-of-the-art technology-driven centre.

Address: 45 Bram Fischer Road, Durban, 4001

www.icc.co.za

Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC)

Situated directly opposite ICC Durban, the Durban Exhibition Centre is a world class multi-purpose exhibition, function and conference centre. The DEC's venues are designed to provide maximum comfort and flexibility. Two large halls offer a combined space of 9,600m² while several smaller halls, luxury suites and catering facilities are also available. The DEC also offers 20,000m² of plazas and gardens which are suitable for outdoor events and conference parking.

Address: 11 Walnut Road, Durban, 4001

BOTSWANA: Moremi Game Reserve

This gem of a National Park has garnered a number of important distinctions. in 2008, it was voted the ‘best game reserve in Africa’ by the prestigious African Travel and Tourism Association at South Africa’s premier tourism fair, Indaba.

It is the first reserve in Africa that was established by local residents. Concerned about the rapid depletion of wildlife in their ancestral lands – due to uncontrolled hunting and cattle encroachment – the Batawana people of Ngamiland, under the leadership of the deceased Chief Moremi III’s wife, Mrs. Moremi, took the bold initiative to proclaim Moremi a game reserve in 1963.

It is the only officially protected area of the Okavango Delta, and as such holds tremendous scientific, environmental and conservation importance.

And, undoubtedly, Moremi ranks as one of the most beautiful reserves in Africa, possibly in the world.

Moremi Game Reserve is situated in the central and eastern areas of the Okavango, and includes the Moremi Tongue and chief’s island, boasting one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the continent.

This makes for spectacular game viewing and bird watching, including all major naturally occurring herbivore and carnivore species in the region, and over 400 species of birds, many migratory and some endangered. Both Black and White Rhino have recently been re-introduced, now making the reserve a ‘Big Five’ destination.

Contained within an area of approximately 3900 sq kms, here land and Delta meet to create an exceedingly picturesque preserve of floodplains – either seasonally or perennially wet, waterways, lagoons, pools, pans, grasslands and riparian, riverine and mophane forests. This terrain makes driving Moremi’s many loops and trails both delightful and, at times, totally inspiring.

Moremi is a very popular destination for the self-drive camper, and is often combined with the Chobe National Park to the northeast.

The rustic Third Bridge campsite, situated near the pretty Sekiri River, flanked with thick stands of papyrus, is a favourite, creating lasting memories of resplendent Okavango sunsets.