World Journeys says Qantas’ new Auckland-Perth and Perth- Johannesburg services, launching in Dec, will make South Africa even more accessible for Kiwi travellers.
“With sales to Africa still very strong and continuing to make up a large portion of our business, especially to South Africa, this news is very welcome! Any further expansion into South Africa would be warmly welcomed and supported by World Journeys,” says sales director Davina Bennetto. While Kiwi travel to South Africa is growing, the way New Zealanders are travelling is said to be changing, with greater demand for tailored itineraries. “Agents are seeing a huge amount of value in World Journeys personalised service, tailoring itineraries to suit the individual needs of the client,” says Bennetto, who adds that at least one of its team visits South Africa annually. “Our expertise in the area is up-to-date and in-depth. Hosting agent trainings and client evenings has been vital in selling South Africa, especially when it comes to getting across the value of private game reserves.” For many travellers Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime high-value trip, so it’s important to get the right client into the right lodge, she adds.
. . . Lodges
“The real value in private game reserves comes down to the guest experience, away from the crowds,” says Bennetto. “I’ll never forget my first safari within a national park, being stuck in a traffic jam – that is not the safari we want our travellers to experience.” Bennetto has stayed in numerous private game reserves, where the only people enjoying the reserve are the guests staying at the lodge, and says it makes for such a different experience. “Private game reserves also have the benefit of being able to offer walking safaris, night game drives and a truly pristine game viewing experience. To sit with a leopard and her cubs without crowds or being rushed is truly an unforgettable moment,” she adds.
