issue 4 digital FINAL

which has put it on course to beat last year’s total arrivals of 401,000. Other
European markets have also seen significant growth with German arrivals up
by 21% between January and July, while tourist numbers from France and
the Netherlands both went up by 16-17% over the same period. But these
increases were dwarfed by a 64% rise in Chinese visitors, while Indian arrivals
also rose by 28%. Total international arrivals to South Africa have risen by
19.3% to 1.4 million between January and July 2016. Tolene van der Merwe,
UK country manager for South African Tourism, said the low value of the rand
had helped attract more tourists this year. The UK market is set for more
growth with the launch of new flights from Gatwick to Cape Town from both
British Airways and Thomas Cook for this winter season. South African Tourism
is also concentrating on continuing to train travel agents in the UK with its SAT
School hosting a series of four events around the country for agents later this
month.
Source: TTG Media
Boryana Manzurova / Shutterstock.com
Luxury Travel Advisors’ Trends &
Recommendations for 2017
Virtuoso®, the global network of luxury travel agencies, has unveiled its
2017 Virtuoso Luxe Report, forecasting emerging travel developments
and top destinations for the coming year. The report offers insight into the
preferences of upscale travellers as determined by the group’s annual survey
of its worldwide travel advisors. For 2017, luxury travellers are seeking
adventures in less explored areas and craving customized local experiences
wherever they roam. Among the top five recommendations for travel in 2017,
the report says travellers should head now for destinations with a sense of
urgency: ones that are changing rapidly or even disappearing, such as Cuba;
they should seek out active journeys, as adventure travel soars even higher
this year as a dominant trend, e.g. an African safari; splurge on an over-the-top
exclusive experience; and savour the flavours and eat like a local wherever you
roam; take a cruise that matches your preferences and personality. Travellers
today crave active experiences that are customized to their interests and
abilities and are venturing all over the globe to find them. South Africa, says
the report, retains its spot as the world’s top adventure travel destination, and
the second best global destination. South Africa is also the 4th best emerging
travel destination.
Source: Lea Lane / Forbes.com