International contingent in praise of South African business tourism

Familiarisation trip with international delegates brings positive response to South Africa’s top corporate meetings and incentives offerings

South African Tourism in association with Earth Travel and Confab Consulting recently hosted six leading international corporate and association buyers on a four day orientation trip. This was designed to give them a taste of world class corporate meetings, hospitality and incentives available to them in South Africa.

The delegates visiting the country are first time visitors and having expressed an interest in South Africa and have been given the opportunity to experience the destination first hand.

Each representative is a key decision maker for the European market in the capacity of either deciding on locations to host top clients or to reward staff as part of an incentive trip.

Their itinerary included site inspections of award winning five star hotels in Cape Town and Johannesburg as well fine dining experiences in both cities. It also featured elements of the Business Unusual* proposition that underpins South Africa’s differentiation in the international market. This included a visit to an outreach project in Muldersdrift including Noah’s Ark(Nurturing orphans of AIDS for Humanity) Childrens Project.

Feedback from the orientation trip has been extremely positive with praise for the top class hotels and conferencing facilities. Highlights included visits to local Noah’s Ark in Muldersdrift outside Johannesburg where the group was exposed to the exceptional work of Noah. Comments visitor James Clark, Chairman for The World Technology Network: “It is not just the world class facilities that are on offer, it’s the natural beauty, wildlife and people that set South Africa apart as a business tourism destination”.

Says Nomasonto Ndlovu, Global Manager: Business Tourism at South African Tourism: “We regularly organise orientation trips for international delegates to educate and promote our offerings as a leading business tourism destination.

“When planning, we focus on the concept of Business unusual to give delegates a real taste of the South African experience. It is pleasing to have such a positive response from the delegates who will return home with a renewed outlook on South Africa,” concludes Ndlovu.