Tourism

Africa's Travel Indaba 2024 ended on a high note for Eco Africa Digital this year, and I was thrilled to share insights on "Gearing Towards a Competitive, Integrated, and Sustainable Tourism Industry in Africa" from a digital marketing lens.

As a speaker at the recent Tech & Tourism Conference in Johannesburg, I had the privilege of shedding light on a crucial aspect of modern tourism marketing: leveraging big data analytics to empower travel businesses. In an era where data reigns supreme, the key lies not only in the abundance of information but also in its interpretation.

With an office based in Stellenbosch, our team of digital marketers for tourism know the winelands, Garden Route and West Coast better than most, but when it comes to Northern KwaZulu-Natal they need 'refreshers' every then and now. Luckily, one of our clients, Isibindi Africa Lodges, invited us to experience their lodges stretching from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Park. Here's how it went:

As leaders in African tourism marketing, Eco Africa Digital researched and compiled a document that highlights the most important travel trends for the African tourism industry for 2021.

These include:

1. Smaller Groups & Privacy
2. Regenerative Travel
3. Bye-Bye 9 to 5: Work Wherever You Want
4. Vital Value: Maximising Travel For Less
5. Flexible Cancellation Terms & Safety
6. Travel Bubbles
7. Preference for Outdoor Experiences
8. Rise in Popularity of Local Travel

A successful way to generate business during a tourism crisis is through the use of discounted or value-added vouchers. These vouchers allow you to take in vital revenue from consumers immediately and could ensure your business’ survival until travel restrictions are lifted.

Where do we go to find guidance during a crisis? Especially one we have never been through before? It’s simple, we revert to our tried-and-tested principles and apply those to our new – temporary – reality.

This is a statement that was made by Damian Cook, Founder and Managing Director of E-tourism Frontiers at the 2019 World Travel Market Africa (WTM) in Cape Town. Here are some of the highlights of Damian’s talk.