South African Tourism and Virtuoso hosted 27 Australian luxury travel advisors on a mega famil with three thrilling itineraries that covered some of the country’s most-exceptional wish list experiences across the five provinces of Western Cape, Kwa Zulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape.
The travel advisors split into three groups hosted by either a South African Tourism or Virtuoso rep to experience different itineraries.
The ‘Hippos’ travelled to St Lucia, which has the largest hippo population in South Africa; the ‘Meerkats’ ventured into the Kalahari Desert; and the ‘Wine Lovers’ explored the scenic Cape Winelands.
Each group enjoyed unique highlights. The Hippos spotted the elusive leopard at the luxe &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge and visited Khula Village for an authentic Zulu experience.
The Meerkats stayed at the spectacular Tswalu Kalahari and saw a pride of wild lions with four lionesses looking after eight cubs plus a journey of giraffes silhouetted against a classic African sunset.
The Wine Lovers drank in the views and drops aboard the world’s only hop-on, hop-off wine tram.
South African Tourism Acting Hub Head Asia Pacific Mosilo Sofonia said: “Virtuoso is known for having the most loyal customer base in the market due to their expertise in crafting bespoke itineraries with unique experiences for their clients.”
“This mega famil was designed to equip agents with firsthand experience of our destination to assist them with super-serving their clients’ planning trips to South Africa.”
Virtuoso General Manager Australia & New Zealand Fiona Dalton said advisors were able to experience some of South Africa’s luxury assets.
“South Africa is a bucket-list destination for many high-value travellers along with its diversity for repeat luxury travellers,” she said.
“The opportunity was an invaluable way for Virtuoso travel advisors to elevate the client experience, specifically through developing our on-ground relationships.”
Chosen on their performance and potential to promote travel to South Africa, advisors also completed a training webinar before departure to further increase their destination knowledge.
“Thank you to South African Tourism for this wonderful learning opportunity. Our hearts are full and our minds are ready for action,” Ms Dalton added.
Want to see South Africa your way? Learn more about South African Tourism’s Self-Famils for travel advisors.
