South Africa’s tourism sector is mourning yesterday’s passing of Darren Napier, who had been intimately involved in the industry since 2003.

Napier started his career as a senior consultant and product developer with Wilderness, before moving to Tourvest as a corporate and online product manager. He spent four years as the Regional Sales Manager (Sub-Saharan Africa) for Abercrombie & Kent, before moving on to his most recent role as Sales and Marketing Director for DMC Personal Africa in 2017.  

Jennifer Jacob, COO of travel marketing company Tique HQ, posted on social media that Napier had been an inspiration to the industry.

“Today, our industry and world lost one of the most impactful people in my travel career. Alongside Darren, I came face to face with the Big Five, I met locals that joyously welcomed us like family, I learned about the flora and fauna, I took a panoramic helicopter ride over his beloved country, and sipped Amarula as he smiled in support.

“Darren was pure goodness, and there are few in the world as purely kind as he was. The void he leaves can simply not be filled, but I will remember his impression on me.”