Small players in the tourism industry will rub shoulders with the big guns at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022 this week when Tourism KwaZulu Natal (TKZN) with nine SMMEs showcase their offerings at this year’s show, one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar.

These SMMEs will be able to access global markets – through face-to-face meetings with travel buyers from across the globe.    

Tourism companies the buyers can meet with include Newcastle Pleasure Guest House, Mt View Lodge, Olungawelwa Tours & Excursions, Amangonyama Tour Operator, Uvukolwethu Corporate Travel, Thokoza Adventures, Cynthia’s Hive Estate, Impilo Travel & Tours and Thembela Tours.

One of the exhibitors on the TKZN stand, Seyms Brugger, Sales and Marketing Manager for Babanango Game Reserve in the Umfolozi Valley in Zululand, said the game reserve was a true conservancy and one of the largest game relocation projects in Africa.

“Babanango, in partnership with our communities and trusts, has rehabilitated land and is bringing back endemic animal species to an area that has not seen wildlife for many years.

“Communities benefit directly from leasing out their land and the game reserve will have the Big Five by the end of Spring 2022, and will be one of the most exciting safari destinations in South Africa.

Brugger said this was the first time Babanango is exhibiting at the Indaba. “This platform will give us the opportunity to showcase a new brand and exciting projects to the world, and ultimately receive international business.”

Philisiwe Gumede, owner of Cynthia’s Hive Estate situated in Stanger, north of Durban, expressed excitement that she was exhibiting at Africa’s Travel Indaba for the first time this year.

“This is a great opportunity to grow my business and to network with other tourism businesses and meet international delegates. I will get to expand my knowledge from other people in the trade which will allow me to take my brand to a higher level.

“I am currently in the process of building accommodation which will be ready by the end of this year. There is a restaurant on site, and I host a farmer’s market at the end of every month to attract more people to the estate,” she explained.

Senzwesihle Simphiwe Duma, owner of Olungawelwa Tours & Excursions based in Estcourt, a town in the uThukela District of KZN said he hoped to grow his clientele base and network with other business delegates from across the world at this year’s show.

“It will be my first time at Africa’s Travel Indaba, and I will showcase the special tours, day and overnight trips to the Drakensberg area which boasts a rich bio-diversity of rare plant and animal species, including unique high altitude Alpine vegetation.

“I am excited to meet international delegates and to get to showcase the beautiful province of KZN, he said.