On Show Solutions and Travel Advance will again take the Africa Showcase to Russia.

Next year’s show will take place in March in St Petersburg and Moscow and bookings have opened.

Africa is seen as a safe destination at a time when many of the traditional holiday destinations enjoyed by Russians have experienced terrorism and political instability. On Show Solutions add that as a consequence of Russia’s long winters, poor domestic tourism infrastructure and need to travel abroad, Russians prefer to visit warm destinations for their holidays.

“After the recent economic challenges, the resilient Russian market is set for better days,” says Paddington Tucker, of Travel Advance – a destination marketing and travel events company with offices in Prague, Warsaw, Budapest and Moscow. “For 2017, analysts see the economy rebounding and expanding 1.4%, which is certainly positive for African tourism business.”

The show’s organisers say they have seen the market develop as the trade understands the selling features of Africa. Russian travellers are looking for safaris, wildlife, beach, adrenalin activities, wine/gourmet tourism and sophisticated shopping. The Russian market is also seen as lucrative as those who can afford to travel internationally spend considerably above the global average on activities, food and beverage and shopping.

The roadshow is designed for African products, operators and experiences to meet directly with the Russian travel trade who package business trips and holidays for high-end clients.

For more information, please contact On Show’s Sales Manager, Michelle da Sousa at michelle@onshowsolutions.co.za.