According to EO, the local tourism industry is benefiting from international “revenge travellers” and a trend called regenerative tourism, all a direct consequence of the lifted restrictions around the world.

According to the organisation, South Africa tourism will enjoy a boom despite fears of a global recession. The organisation also says that even if the current booking levels – which in many instances surpass 2019 levels and in at least some instances are at their highest ever levels – subside somewhat, all indications are that South Africa is hot property now, especially for American and European travellers.

Mary Rijnberg, who has a role within EO as recruitment expert for the Africa region and is managing director of upmarket travel boutique business Planet Africa Safaris, says that in the luxury segment, while numbers are substantially up, travellers are wanting to linger a little longer. “People are taking their time, staying an extra night and really getting to know a place before they move onto the next destination,” she says.

Rise of regenerative tourism

Rijnberg says that this is most likely the result of people reassessing what is important to them after the scare and disruption of the pandemic. “We are also seeing a big increase in regenerative tourism, where people want to know that they can make a positive difference and impact on their travels. What are lodges doing for local communities? How can I contribute to conservation? These sorts of questions are becoming more important and this is definitely a focus area for us, to facilitate this meeting between travel and conscience,” she adds.

Ingram Casey, a judge for the Safari Awards who previously spent six years as Southern Africa Director for the African Travel and Tourism Association, is an EO member and founder of Escape+Explore, paints a positive picture for the South African tourism industry, especially for those who serve the international market.

Demand for private experiences-based touring grows

“From where we are sitting, looking after mainly upmarket US and European travellers, figures very much confirm we are set for a busy second half of 2022 and into season. Despite hefty airfares and other factors that would typically hold back travel, there has not been any let up in demand for private experience-based touring in Cape Town.”

Courtesy of Bizcommunity – read full article here.