The fifth OurAfrica.Travel digital trade show took place from February 5-9, showcasing 222 exhibitors and facilitating meetings with 479 buyers and 23 media from around the globe.
A total of 8 510 meetings took place on the platform over the five days (nearly 2 000 more than the previous year), with over 10 000 profile views and 44 291 messages exchanged on the networking chat. Over 30 news stories were also shared from the exhibitors.
“Feedback from participants has been very encouraging, starting the trade events season in style – with this growth in numbers across the board reinforcing the need and value of a virtual show,” OurAfrica.Travel said in a press release.
This year’s event continued with the format of five days of meetings, with additional networking opportunities on either side of the show.
Once again, a week of agent destination training ahead of the show was hosted by The Africa Hub. Other industry partners included Wetu, ATTA, Africa’s Eden, Nightsbridge and Umlingo Travel PR. Key sponsors included Destination Africa, We Are Africa, Bahia Mar and Tourplan.
“This spirit of collaboration and ‘ubuntu’ is what makes this virtual show such a success – keeping it affordable, inclusive and accessible to all – not to mention the bonus of its carbon-neutral footprint,” said OurAfrica.Travel.
Positive impact
OurAfrica.Travel is committed to driving sustainable tourism and giving back to both community and conservation projects.
Participants were invited to nominate their favourite charities and grassroots projects – resulting in 32 worthy causes being showcased during the show.
A shortlist was voted for by exhibitors and buyers on the event feed and across social media platforms. A final poll was held to pick the two winners, who will each receive a R12 000 donation (€590) on behalf of the show.
Organisers Storm Napier and Allie Hunt announced the winners:
Community cause – With My Own Two Hands:
Providing sustainable clean water and agriculture solutions in East Africa to generate socio-economic opportunities and a more equitable world.
Conservation cause – HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development):
For their work in caring for orphaned and displaced elephants.
Exhibitors expressed their appreciation for the show.
“It was a fantastic week, and everything worked perfectly. Thank you for keeping this show running year after year. I've participated since the start, exhibiting on behalf of various products, and it's always a great way to kick off the year. OurAfrica.Travel will always have my support and I will continue to encourage agents to participate. Thank you for all the work you do to provide a platform for the trade to connect with an unbeatably low environmental impact,” said Emily Johnson from Kamba Africa in the US.
“There was also always quick and patient support for questions when needed. As Ludus Magnus is essentially new to the market, it’s been a highly cost- and time-effective activity to establish some valuable connections which I don’t doubt will lead to wonderful relationships, helping to bring guests to our shores,” said Julie Glück from Ludus Magnus, a first time exhibitor from South Africa.
