Last week, over 500 trade partners from travel agents, South African operators, and Australian and New Zealand wholesalers attended ‘The South Africa Show’ sponsored by Singapore Airlines and hosted live by comedian Julia Morris both in-person and virtually.
Guests that attended the event in-person, first gathered at South African Tourism’s immersive 10m high dome installation in Martin Place, transporting guests through a guided virtual safari with the sights and sounds of safari echoing through the dome.
The activation also included South African drumming and dancing, South African wine and canapes, and fun posing in a South African scene in the interactive photo booth.
The installation which had just concluded after being open to the public since last Monday was created to celebrate the reopening of international travel and marked South African Tourism’s most recent campaign “Beat Your Bucket List” which encourages Aussies to not delay ticking off their bucket list.
Following the virtual safari experience in Martin Place, guests made their way to the Sofitel Hotel to join virtual attendees at the ‘The South Africa Show’.
Host Julia Morris helped bring South Africa to life, taking people around the country to explore 18 magical South African experiences.
Some of these experiences included paddling with the African Penguins at Boulders Beach, sleeping in a luxury treehouse, rhino ear-notching with veterinarians, and jumping off the world’s highest swing at Oribi Gorge.
Throughout the night, guests also experienced the real beat of South Africa with South African drummers, and a trio jazz band led by singer and Neighbours actor, Barry Conrad.
Mosilo Sofonia, South African Tourism Hub Head of Australasia, says last night’s event was an opportunity to activate South Africa for trade partners in lieu of not being able to travel for so long and by offering just a taste of what’s on offer in South Africa.
“It’s been a challenging few years for everyone, and our trade partners have been waiting patiently to welcome people back into South Africa with open arms. We would like to thank all of our partners for their ongoing support in encouraging people to travel to South Africa, we’re thrilled the joy of travel has returned once again,” Ms Sofonia said.
Trade partners who attended the event in-person and virtually went into a draw to win 1 of 10 spots on a famil to South Africa sponsored by Singapore Airlines.
South African Tourism announced the 10 lucky winners on stage during the event.
A massive congratulations to the winners:
- Angie Arathoon, Helloworld Travel, NSW
- Doris Salazar, Traveltours NSW
- Gayle Rowson On the Road Again Travel, NSW
- Jacinta Berle, Travel Associates Rouse Hill, NSW
- Rose Febo, Travel Managers, QLD
- Samantha Mclean, Flight Centre Brookside, QLD
- Terri Dillon, Travel Managers, QLD
- Philip Van Dueren, The Outdoor Traveller, VIC
- Sabine Absenger, MTA Travel, VIC
- Tullie Seneca, Travel and Cruise Ceduna, SA
All guests who attended the event in-person received a mini-bucket of South African goodies including two of the country’s favourite exports – biltong and rooibos tea along with either a leopard print or giraffe print umbrella.
For more information visit www.southafrica.net.