ASTA, the South African International Business Linkages (saibl) program and the Tourism Enterprise Programme (TEP) have partnered to present a one-hour networking event at ASTA’s International Destination Expo (IDE) (March 8-11, Sun City).
Alexandria, VA- The invitation-only event will take place from 12:15-1:15pm at the Sun City Convention Center on Tuesday, March 10 with the goal of bringing together IDE attendees and the best of South Africa’s small- and medium-sized black-owned tourism companies.
The event will provide South African companies the chance to meet one-one-one and showcase their packages to U.S. travel agents and tour operators in an event focused on the benefits these small- and medium-sized companies offer.
“ It can be difficult for small- and medium-sized companies to make their mark as they are often overshadowed by the larger, better known industry names,“ said Chris Russo, ASTA president and chair. „As a small-business owner myself I know first-hand that smaller firms can provide excellent customer service and individual attention to their clients and partners. This innovative event is a terrific opportunity for both U.S. agents and South African tourism entities to make mutually beneficial business connections and introduce smaller firms on both sides of the Atlantic to one another.“
„SAIBL is looking forward to its collaboration with ASTA at the International Destination Expo,“ said Tim Bergstrom, SAIBL project director. „It will provide the ideal platform for some of the best black-owned South African tourism companies to meet face-to-face with potential partners from the United States. Most importantly it will provide U.S. agents a greater appreciation of what South Africa has to offer its visitors. These smaller companies can provide clients with more customization and personal interaction allowing visitors to not only see the sites but learn more about the heritage and culture of this diverse and beautiful country“
Participating members of SAIBLE are:
Josh Explorer Tours/Safari & Transfers . Josh Explorer offers customized group and individual tour packages throughout South Africa. joshexplorer.co.za/
Royal Global Tours Africa . An international travel company, Royal Global Tours Africa serves the corporate, leisure, cultural, and student markets. royalglobaltoursafrica.com/
Serokolo Health Tourism : A leader in medical tourism services, Serokolo offers quality medical tourism packages throughout South Africa, as well as medical spa treatment and tourism packages during recovery. serokolo.co.za/
Thokozela Leisure Management . Specializing in authentic cultural tours, Thokozela has positioned itself as a leader in the field of community tourism products in mainly rural areas in Southern Africa. thokozela.co.za/
Uniglobe Ikhwezi Travel . Uniglobe Ikhwezi offers cost-saving business and leisure travel services by negotiating lower hotel costs, ground transportation, and international and domestic airfares. uniglobeikhwezitravel.co.za
Uniglobe New Horizon Travel . The company offers groups and individuals with outstanding service and 25 years of experience in the South African travel industry. newhorizontravel.co.za/
Zote . Offering volunteers, students, groups, and individuals a unique travel experience, Zote travelers can choose a variety of non-traditional activities, including a home-stay with local families, intern with NGOs, and volunteer at area schools. zoteworldwide.com/