SAA has expanded its South American workshop to include exhibitors from the rest of Africa.

Altamiro Medici Severino, Sales Manager for SAA South America, told Tourism Update that up to last year, SAA had invited exhibitors only from South Africa but had expanded the show this year to include exhibitors from the rest of the continent to offer buyers more products and services.

Medici Severino was speaking on the sidelines of the workshop, which took place in São Paulo on Tuesday, September 22.

“SAA serves as link between the travel trade and the suppliers in South Africa and Africa,” he said, adding that the airline had 10 flights from São Paulo to Johannesburg with onward connections throughout the continent.

“The idea for next year is to enhance the event with more exhibitors.” He said the aim was to expand the show from its current 32 to 48 exhibitors.

Jason Verdmüller von Elgg praised the quality of the buyers at the show, adding that the tour operators were familiar with South Africa. Lindi Mthethwa Regional Manager: Sales, Marketing & Channels at African Sun Hotel Group said the buyers were very engaged and that the focused round robin format worked well.

Tourism Update attended SAA’s South American workshop as a guest of South African Tourism.