PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - While the travel industry has changed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, those in the industry have found ways to adapt - and presenting the World Travel Market (WTM) exhibition virtually is one of those ways.
Plett Tourism participated in the WTM Africa last month and the chief executive, Patty Butterworth, said the focus was on "offering value beyond the show floor".
"Plett Tourism, along with other industry role players from the area, participated in the first stage of this robust plan, and will be participating throughout the remainder of 2021, with additional benefits introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic," Butterworth said.
In addition to the virtual show in April, which consisted of one-on-one meetings, content sessions and speed networking, organisers Reed Exhibitions had lined up a collection of "add-on events" throughout the year.
These include educational content webinars from May to August; Africa Travel Week in September and a series of virtual master classes from September to November.
"Plett Tourism coordinated representation from the self-catering and camping, boutique hotel and guest house/B&B, and the hotel/lodge and resort hospitality sectors," said Butterworth. "Each representative introduced new travel professionals to the Garden Route, our beautiful town of Plettenberg Bay, and to the many accommodation options within those sectors. Restaurants, activities, retail, and tourism services were promoted alongside our many wonderful establishments with a special focus on Bitou/Plettenberg Bay's unique selling points."
She said WTM Africa is a fantastic platform through which to launch new products, meet travel professionals, and experience the South African travel industry. "With a vibrant, culturally diverse audience of tourism professionals, our representation increased brand exposure, generated new sales leads, strengthened existing relation-ships, and closed new business for the area.
"This year's event had an interesting audience of buyers. Many had never been to South Africa and were interested in more than city experiences. Of great interest was hiking trails, volunteer programmes and family-based programmes that included conservation and eco-tourism projects. It wasn't the normal mix of buyers and media, but rather new agents from non-traditional South African markets - in particular, a large number of US agents."
Butterworth said after WTM Africa, Plett Tourism was invited to participate in educational trips with select destination marketing company operators, and is busy putting together unique itineraries for these.
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