The Tourism Indaba in Durban, held from 16 to 18 May 2017, is a campaign launched by the Minister of Tourism.
“This is what we as tourism, especially in Gansbaai, do anyway, but the campaign stresses that Tourism is everyone’s business from the soccer team and bank teller to the CEO of SA Tourism,” says Glenda Kitley, Manager: Gansbaai Tourism.
About 7 000 delegates, which included 1 600 local and international travel buyers, more than 700 media representatives and 1 006 exhibitors represented 18 African countries at the Indaba and made for an interesting show where it was time for Africa.
Although Glenda has been attending Indaba for more than 10 years, she said she always learn something new, meet new contacts and renew relationships with “old” friends.
She was the bureau representative for the Cape Whale Coast and was thus responsible for marketing the whole Overstrand region. Many of the tour operators that she spoke to informed her that they are looking to “expand” their tours. They are looking for new and exciting activities and icons to include.
“Well of course I could give them many options and ‘wow’ them with what we have to offer in our region. There is so much more than whale watching and shark cage diving,” Glenda said.
It often looks like there are just parties, activations and functions. But a great deal of business is concluded even at these “parties”.
That is where people are relaxed and not rushing to a next appointment thus enabling great exchange of ideas.
Lomond sponsored some bottles of wine and these were gratefully received at the Indaba.
The Cape Whale Coast promotional material, sling bags, backpacks, memory sticks and pens will remind the recipients of this region when they are back home.
The Overstrand’s councillor for tourism, as well as the Director for LED and Tourism also attended and they networked on a different level again. Adinda Jantjies, the municipal tourism officer, accompanied Glenda to the Indaba.
A number of product owners from the region were also there marketing the region: Grootbos, White Shark Projects, the Marine Dynamics group, 1 Marine Drive and SA Forest Adventures to name a few.
All in all it was a successful Indaba and as Durban has won the contract to host Indaba for the next 5 years - same time same place next year!
