Getting back on track for a sun-filled season

Africa by Isabel Choat

Getting back on track for a sun-filled season

Marketing campaign highlights new destination appeal

South Africa

South Africa Tourism has a lot to talk about this year with plans for a major international marketing campaign over the next 12 months.

The UK is the biggest market for overseas visitors, accounting for 334,226 visitors last year. It will also be highlighting its conference and incentive facilities.

This year saw the opening of the £40m Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng, which accommodates 10,000 visitors and will be linked to the Sandton Sun Towers hotel via a foot bridge, due to open next year.

Work is due to begin on the proposed 5,000-capacity Cape Town International Convention Centre by the end of the year for a 2002 opening.

Kenya: establishing itself as a leading African destination

Kenya

Kenya will be showcasing new products including eco friendly lodges and camps and child friendly safaris at World Travel Market. After a two-year slump, the Kenya Tourist Board has reported a 35% increase in visitor numbers over the past year and claims it is well on the way to establishing itself as a leading African tourist destination again.

Among the 48 exhibitors will be the Eco-Tourism Society of Kenya which will promote a new eco-tourism rating system for the country’s lodges, camps and hotels.

The Kenya Tourism Federation, a private-sector body, will be telling visitors about a new security monitoring service designed to ensure visitors’ safety. It is staffed 24 hours and covers camps and lodges in all wildlife parks and reserves. Luxury safari operators Governor’s Camps and Cheli and Peacock will both be represented on the stand.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe will be seeking to reassure visitors that it is safe to visit the country following the political turmoil earlier this year.

The Zimbabwe Tourist Office said visitor numbers are starting to recover but it still has work to do in overcoming its negative press.

The ZTO hopes to highlight new areas opening up to tourism such as the eastern highlands where the mountainous landscape is ideal for walking safaris and horse riding.

&#42 SAFARIOFFER: travel agents will have the chance to win a safari for two people at the Kenya stand. The competition will run on November 14, 15 and 16. The stand will also feature The Watering Hole where Kenyancoffee, tea and beer will be available.

Botswana

The Botswana Department of Tourism will be telling visitors about promotional plans for the UK, including an advertising campaign that begins in January.

The country’s unspoilt natural beauty, political stability and low crime rate are seen as the key selling points for tourism.