Government support and international exposure spell fresh growth for SA Youth Travel
CAPE TOWN - 14 February, 2011
Eleven representatives from South Africa’s booming Youth Travel market are set to attend the world’s largest and most prestigious travel show, ITB Berlin, in March.
The visit comes as the South African national government is increasingly focusing support and funding on travel as one of the country’s six priority areas for job creation, and it was made possible by funding from the Department of Trade and Industry.
ITB Berlin is the world’s leading travel industry think-tank, and during the 2011 convention, will continue to serve as arguably the most important platform for the promotion of dialogue in the international tourism sector.
Says Deborah Kleynhans, national coordinator of the South African Youth Travel Confederation (SAYTC) and project manager for the local ITB delegation: “We are grateful for the recognition and support this niche, but very important section of South Africa’s travel market, is increasingly receiving from the South African government”.
“For the first time, SAYTC will enjoy a presence at this enormously important event on the global tourism calendar, which last year saw record attendance of more than 12 500 participants. We intend to cement South Africa’s growing reputation as an exciting travel destination for the adventurous and young at heart, as well as those who prefer to combine their international travel with giving back, for instance through volunteering programmes.”
Bernie Meyer, tourism director in the Department of Trade and Industry’s Industrial Development Division, says the government’s support for SAYTC stems from its work on the development of niche tourism markets.
“We are of the opinion that Youth Tourism offers high growth potential with positive developmental impacts and an opportunity to help diversify the South African tourism economy,” said Meyer.
“Supporting SAYTC to gain increased exposure at an event like ITB will improve market access for members and generate new business that will ultimately lead to increased foreign exchange earnings, tourism growth and job creation.”
The eleven SAYTC members which will represent SA’s Youth Travel market at ITB between March 9 and 13 (listed below), represent diverse establishments throughout the country. They include representatives from transport, accommodation and adventure establishments which serve youth travellers throughout South Africa.
SAYTC - ITB Berlin 2011
TOURS AND ADVENTURES
Stormsriver Adventures – Based in the heart of the Tsitsikamma forest, Stormsriver Adventures cater for tastes ranging from the mild to the wild, with experiences such as canopy tours and guided hiking included in their portfolio.
Adventure Centre – Wild experiences throughout Africa are organised from this Stellenbosch-based adventure shop - from diving with sharks or from an airplane, to abseiling down Table Mountain or climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro.
PiliPili – The PiliPili Beach Bar is situated alongside Sedgfield’s Myoli - one of the top wave-riding beaches on the South African coast. Travellers can pick up new and second-hand gear at PiliPili’s shop on the main road, and head down to the water for lessons, awesome down-winders for more advanced riders, and a cold one back on dry land.
Daytrippers – For the past two decades, Daytrippers has made its mark as one of the leading alternative tour companies in the Western Cape, with activities such as hiking, biking, cruising, picnicking and swimming available on their expeditions.
Cape to Addo – This safari group has pioneered the Addo Park Safari - a safe and affordable way to experience the thrill of game driving in an authentic Big Five national park, while also catching the beauty of the coastal regions of both the Western and Eastern Cape.
Bikes’nWines – Catering to the outdoorsy and young-at-heart traveler, Bikes’nWines combine both adventure cycling and wine-tasting. Up to four Stellenbosch wine estates are visited during the day, accessed by private farm roads that take riders through vineyards and quiet tree-lined roads.
Explore Paradise - a Cape Town-based one-stop tour shop. They offer a myriad of tours in and around the Mother City and beyond, and travellers can take their pick of day tours, private tours, package tours, luxury coach tours or nightlife tours. They can also put together their own itinerary to combine various offerings, including safari, helicopter, limousine or Winelands tours.
VOLUNTEERING
You2Africa – You2Africa facilitates sensitive, meaningful and well-priced African volunteer projects. It sources volunteers from the international market, and is popular among travellers who do not only want to sightsee when visiting the continent, but also to participate in community development projects.
ACCOMMODATION
Soweto Backpackers – For a truly unique experience, travellers head to the famous suburb of Orlando West to walk or cycle the streets of Soweto, and play or watch soccer with the locals. Restaurants, shebeens, braais (barbeques) around the campfire, or even church and museum visits are all on the menu for guests at Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers.
Backpackers Paradise – A family-run hostel nestled in Oudtshoorn, or Ostrich Country as it is known in South Africa, Backpackers Paradise offers an idyllic base from where the Little Karoo and its myriad adventure experiences can be discovered.
TRANSPORT
Baz Bus – With a fleet of 19-seater semi-luxury buses, Baz Bus has, for more than fifteen years, transported thousands of backpackers to 180 youth travel destinations throughout South Africa and beyond.
SAYTC will be assisted at ITB Berlin 2011 by stand host, On Show Solutions.
Jacqui Reynolds of On Show says that, by being positioned in the heart of the southern African hall at ITB, SAYTC will have exposure to buyers and show visitors who are keen to visit the region. SAYTC’s niche focus on youth travel will furthermore set its group of exhibitors apart from the rest of the show, she says.
For media enquiries, contact Simon Lewis www.travelconceptsolution.com
