TU asked Nordic market stakeholders about current tastes in tourism products. Here’s what they said.  By Michelle Colman

Pernilla Landstedt, Propel Africa Destination Management: “We see more ‘theme experiences’ like food and wine, or normal tourist attractions in combination with training or competitions/races.”                                                                                                                 

Per Caroe, Kenya Airways: “Combinations (various activities or a range of countries) will appeal. For example, I have expectations for KQ’s new route NBO-LVI-CPT where the traveller can experience world-class safari, beaches, waterfall, natural scenery, wine and history.

“I believe in segmentation and think Africa has much to offer. The list is long but an obvious one is an activity vacation, such as running, surfing, kite surfing, rafting, mountain biking, trekking....  no matter if the group is family, friends or same-interest people, to me the key is being and doing things together.

“East Africa appeals for the best safaris in the world. Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi and Mozambique appeal to smaller numbers, most likely people with previous Africa experience. Madagascar looks to have a special and growing appeal.”

Suzanne Benadie, Your Africa: “The well-known attractions, such as Cape Town, Garden Route and the Kruger Park, as well as golf and safari tours. Self-drive travel with local experiences and interaction is also popular.”

Rung Button, ITT: “Golf bookings are growing, both for groups and FIT travellers.” 

Rune Engstrøm, Destination Africa: “People are excited about combinations of, for instance, Cape Town and Namibia, as an alternative to Kruger. Namibia has a lot to offer, and is a very good combination with the Cape area.”

Patrick Menzies, SAA: “The main areas Nordic travellers look for are safari, winelands, Cape Town, culture and golf – mostly four- and five-star products. Beach is also very important; however, most Africa travellers are aware that SA is not ideal for this. Any beach holidaymakers would look to Kenya, Tanzania and, to a lesser degree, Mozambique. There is some interest in township tours, and other special-interest areas, such as bird watching and flora.

“The increased interest for that part of the world also looks to benefit Namibia and Zimbabwe.” 

Christiaan Steyn, Marketing Manager, Drifters Adventours: “The Drifters 18-day South Africa tour as well as the five-day Kruger Park tour fits the Nordic Market very well. It offers good value for money with loads of activities and comfortable accommodation included in the tour. Our clients from the Nordic market are active and our tour packages include guided game walks, mountain hikes and canoe trips.”