The Eastern Cape is often overlooked by tour operators, who tend to package Cape Town and Kruger. However, the province has a lot to offer. Tourism Update asks industry players for their tips for selling the province.
- Hook second-time visitors
Jacques De Kock, Senior consultant at Your Africa, says the Eastern Cape is well suited to people who have already travelled to South Africa and are looking for something new. “The Eastern Cape is an ideal destination for return visitors,” he says. “Beach, culture and wildlife packages showcase the beaches on the Wild Coast, Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and safaris in Addo Elephant National Park or private reserves such as Shamwari, Amakhala or Kariega.”
- Get to know the area
Paul Miedema, Director at Calabash Tours and Co-founder of Calabash Trust, says he finds that a lot of tour operators are not aware of some of the province’s smaller, more interesting offerings. He adds that while it’s also not always easy to find accommodation that tour operators can use in all areas, they should explore the province to get a better understanding of it. “Most tour operators don’t invest that time,” he says. “It’s a slow journey destination, so it’s no good just hammering out itineraries using maps. You have to go there, spend time there and explore the detail. He adds that it’s pretty easy to package the Karoo, the private game reserves, and areas like Tsitsikamma. “They have well-developed tourism infrastructure.”
- Sell self-drive
Imonti Tours MD, Velile Ndlumbini, says while most tour operators fly their guests from Durban to Port Elizabeth, he recommends flying to Durban and driving along the Wild Coast. “From Durban you can drive to Kokstad and then to Port St Johns,” he says, suggesting a night in Port St Johns. “Drive to Mthatha to visit Qunu. From there, drive down to Coffee Bay for a night,” he says. “In the morning you can drive to Hole in the Wall then proceed to East London.” Ndlumbini advises that guests to the Eastern Cape, and especially the Wild Coast, should avoid driving at night as there are a lot of stray animals on the road.
- Tap into the adventure market
“I would recommend selling the Eastern Cape as an adventure destination,” says De Kock. He says many hikes, including the Wild Coast Meander, Wild Coast Amble and Wild Coast Pondo Walk, are offered by various guest houses along the coastline. “These multiple-day hiking packages together with other activities such as zip line circuits, game drives and cruises, are perfect for guests seeking adrenalin,” he says.
- Combination packages
Jaap Kreeftenberg, Owner of AAA Travel, suggests that tour operators should put together packages that promote unique experiences with well-known products. For example, he suggests Bloukrans bungee jumping together with Storms River zip lining and the Storms River Cycle Trail, or a nature experience like the Otter Trail, combined with the Coffee Bay extended beach walk.
