An experienced Journalist cum Digital Marketer who has worked in Media and Marketing in various Southern African countries for close to 15 years. An avid reader, she is passionate about fostering a reading and academic culture especially in young Africans. She enjoys travelling, meeting people from a broad cultural spectrum as well as engaging people in topics that are informative, entertaining and insightful. Grace is currently a Project Director and Creative Content Writer for CreativeMagic Group.
Internship programmes can benefit businesses in various ways, address skills shortages in the country and give back to South African society. But internships aren’t without their challenges as they take careful planning to implement. So is an internship right for your business or is there another solution? Sean Sharp, Executive Head of Sales for EduPower Skills Academy says that while some companies offer quality internships, just as many get it wrong. “Internships make business sense as they are a cost-effective way of bringing more people on board,” Sean explains. “But ask your team if they enjoy hosting interns and you’ll probably get a different response. In reality, an intern often adds more work than return.” What is an Internship? Internships are relatively common and candidates usually have completed a diploma or degree. They allow inexperienced graduates to gain practical experience in the workplace, often in an entry-level position and industry that’s suited to their qualification. The duration of an Internship can range from a few weeks to 12 months and it’s up to the employer to choose whether interns are paid. If they are fortunate, graduates will land an internship that offers a stipend, enough to cover transport and food but whether paid or unpaid, internships give candidates a foot in the door in their chosen industry. “For companies, despite the challenges, internships are still one of the most feasible ways to discover young talent. They give someone with little experience the chance to add value to your business while…
Get exclusive access to this story
Subscribe to Nomad Africa and get unlimited access to our exclusive articles on African cultural heritage, travel tips, tourism news updates, industry trends and insights. Your subscription will also help support tourism in Africa. Subscription starts from only R15 ($1 USD) per month.*
Amidst the mounting third wave, FEDHASA, the voice of South Africa’s hospitality sector, sounds a stark warning about the plight of restauranteurs and the livelihoods these support, as speculation rises that COVID restrictions keeping restaurants closed will continue through July.
“As an industry, we are not insensitive to the fact that South Africa is enduring a third wave, and that too many have lost their lives, have lost loved ones or wait anxiously as family and friends endure severe illness,” says Rosemary Anderson, FEDHASA National Chair.
“Balancing lives and livelihoods is an impossible task and we understand that sacrifices have to be made. However, hotels and restaurants are not just a non-essential lifestyle activity which can switched on and off to stem the spread of COVID.
“Behind the closed restaurant doors and ‘for sale’ signs are thousands of livelihoods that have already been lost and hang in the balance every day restaurants are forced to bear the brunt of lockdown regulations. Beyond this, the hospitality sector supports a deep supply chain that is similarly affected,” she says.
Unlike most other sectors, the hospitality sector has not been able to operate fully, even when regulations were at Level 1. This, despite putting in place stringent health and hygiene protocols.
There are not many businesses that would be able to support livelihoods and pay their normal bills when they have not managed to operate normally for more than a year through no fault of their own.
“As an industry, we have made every effort to keep staff and guests safe when they visit hotels and restaurants. Our sector has had very little relief and has been ignored, even targeted by some landlords and financial institutions, which have been inflexible and immovable by the limitations within which the hospitality sector has been forced to operate in for over a year,” Anderson adds.
Lobbying on behalf of its members, FEDHASA has partnered with the Sukuma Fund to make R100 million available for rental and cashflow relief for qualifying FEDHASA-registered restauranteurs. The organisation recognises that this is a mere drop in the ocean.
“We believe landlords and banks must do the right thing, come to the party and show some flexibility for hospitality stakeholders who in the short-term are experiencing a cashflow crunch. It does not bode well, not in terms of reputation or future support from hospitality companies, for these organisations to turn their back on their hospitality customers. Further, it is in their best interests to help secure the future of these businesses.”
FEDHASA welcomes the announcement that vaccinations will open for the 35 to 49 age group on 1 August. Until vaccinations are rolled out robustly and the healthcare system strengthened, the hospitality sector will likely continue to see restrictions and be impacted by continuing surges of COVID limiting operations.
“When South Africa moved into Level 5 restrictions last year, which included the total shutdown of the hospitality sector, Government said that these measures were instituted to give the health services infrastructure the opportunity to ready themselves to be able to cope with the pandemic. We have had 16 months to ready ourselves for the reality of COVID waves, and for the hospitality sector we are right back to where it all started. Every day we dither on earnest vaccine roll out means more restaurants face closure and more people lose their livelihoods.”
FEDHASA calls on Government to reconsider extending the current restrictions on allowing sit-down restaurants to operate as the impact of the extension will be devastating for those restauranteurs and their suppliers who have managed to hang on until now in the absence of real financial relief, as has been extended to this affected sector in other countries.
“We also call on South Africans to do everything they can to act responsibly, adhere to the non-pharmaceutical protocols and consume alcohol responsibly, so that as an industry we can operate, albeit with limitations, safely. If we bar our hospitality sector from making a living, the poverty pandemic will dwarf the effects of the COVID pandemic for many whose savings and livelihoods have been decimated.
“It is a hospitality bloodbath out there, with no support systems to fall back on,” concludes Anderson.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation estimates that by 2030, there will be 1.8 billion new international travellers. Choosing a career in hospitality, therefore, could be the best decision that the Matrics of 2021 will ever make!
Shaun Lamont, Managing Director, First Group Hotel and Resorts said, “With university and college applications now open for 2022, Matrics will be looking to make a decision about what to study next year. If your child is still sitting on the fence, why not get them to consider a career in hospitality?”
Shaun offer 5 reasons why Matrics should consider studying hospitality:
1. In demand: According to Study International, one in every five jobs created in the last decade globally has been within travel and tourism, and pre-COVID, the industry was expected to support an additional 100 million jobs worldwide by 2028. The World Travel and Tourism Council also reports that 1 in 10 jobs on the planet is supported by travel and tourism. Whilst the pandemic has slowed the industry down, it is the one industry that is predicted to bounce back with a bang! Why? Well, travel is in our DNA and it’s going to take more than a global shutdown to change that.
2. See the world: If you’ve always dreamt of visiting exotic destinations, but your travel fund smacks more of ‘beer and biltong’ than ‘champagne and caviar’, then a career in hospitality could be the ticket to the travel you’ve been dreaming of. Whether local or international, you’re bound to traverse the globe by working in a variety of positions and places. You’ll only be limited by your imagination – from cruise ships and hotels to game lodges and beach resorts.
3. Options, options, options: At the core of hospitality, are customer experiences, which opens up a myriad of opportunities for graduates. Armed with a wide range of skills and knowledge, working in hotels, restaurants, events, catering, hospitals or airlines, or even branching out into business development, marketing, or entrepreneurship, are all within the realm of possibility.
4. Learn while you earn: Most reputable hotel groups and resorts partner with hotel management schools in order to offer students the opportunity to learn the relevant theory whilst getting practical, on-the-job training. First Group for example, embraces unskilled trainees every year, who share our passion for guests and place them at our various resorts around the country. Furthermore, some Groups even offer trainees a stipend whilst working, which means that you can learn while you earn.
5. Move up the ranks: A career in hospitality offers you the chance to grow. While everyone starting out their career by nature starts on the bottom rung of the ladder and moves their way up the ranks, there are so many rungs on the hospitality ladder! Moving from bellhop to the front desk to the manager, or from waiter to food and beverage manager doesn’t have to remain a pipe dream. As leaders in the South African hospitality industry, First Group prides itself on offering incredible career opportunities for both entry-level and experienced candidates who are either looking to step into the industry or those looking to move up the ladder.
“If doing the same thing day after day after day excites you, then a career in hospitality is best avoided. If you’re looking for an ever-changing, exciting job in a vibrant industry that demands commitment to making strangers smile and helping them to make lasting, magical memories – then this industry is for you!” Shaun concludes.
Celebrate the school holidays by gathering the herd for a Family Easter to remember. Exclusively for South African Residents, Virgin Limited Edition has launched a special three-night retreat to either Ulusaba Private Game Reserve or Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard, with lots of Easter themed activities and surprises for the whole family.
Head into the bush to discover the magic of Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, where word on the street is that there is an extra special bunny that will be making a visit. Though sightings of this wonderous creature are extremely rare, it can be tracked by the special surprises it leaves in its wake. Throughout the Easter holidays families can look forward to all sorts of treats and traditional foods, fresh pancakes cooked in the bush, an Easter themed cocktail for the grown ups and finally an exciting egg hunt featuring glow in the dark eggs.
Family rates are from ZAR 18,000 per night accommodating up to two adults and two children staying in either a River Room with a plunge pool, Rock Suite or Makwela Suite, based on a minimum three-night stay. Rates are inclusive of accommodation, twice-daily game drives, all food and drink (including South African branded beverages) and more.
Over at Mont Rochelle, in a beautiful corner of Franschhoek, families can get together for a retreat set against a stunning mountain backdrop. Set in the foodie capital, guests can look forward to a delicious menu of goodies during their stay. From Easter-themed biscuit making and icing with Mont Rochelle’s Pastry Chef, to fresh hot cross buns in Country Kitchen, a themed breakfast buffet and an extra special ‘Mocha Cooler’ cocktail. Treasure hunts and a glow in the dark Easter Egg hunt are sure to keep the Little Corkers entertained, while parents can sit back and relax with a glass of Mont Rochelle’s finest.
Family rates are from ZAR 5,000 per night staying in a Pinotage suite, based on two adults and up to two children (under the age of 12) sharing for a minimum three-night stay. Rates are inclusive of accommodation in the Vineyard or Garden Wing, daily breakfast, complimentary wine tasting (for the adults) and much more.
Fares increase as departure dates draw closer and the flights start to fill up. To take advantage of FlySafair’s low airfares, booking early is a must.
Travel mid-week
Flights on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday are usually the best value for money. So, if you can coordinate your leave to get away a day early, you could save.
Opt for flexibility
These uncertain times call for more flexibility, which is why FlySafair has updated its change and cancellation policy across all its fare options. Passengers who book a Lite or Standard Fare ticket can cancel their flight and receive a refund voucher, less a service fee of R300 per ticket. Standard Fare ticket holders will have two fee-free changes, while Premium allows for unlimited fee-free changes. This applies to all flights departing before 31 March 2021.
Download the FlySafair app and subscribe to the newsletter
Search for and book your next flight through the FlySafair app (available on Android and iOS). You’ll also be able to manage your booking as well as access your boarding pass on your smartphone. Subscribe to the FlySafair newsletter and be the first to know about the latest deals.
Plan your annual leave
With some careful planning, the upcoming public holidays could make your annual leave days go further. For example, Freedom Day falls on a Tuesday this year and if you put in a day’s leave on Monday, 26 April, you’ll enjoy four days off. To compare, search and book affordable flights these holidays, visit this website here.
With Human Rights Day, Easter weekend and Freedom Day around the corner, the airline hopes South Africans will seize the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break while also supporting the local travel industry.
“Many of our passengers had their festive travel plans disrupted due to the second wave of COVID-19 infections and the host of restrictions that came with it. We’re hoping that with the string of public holidays on the horizon, South Africans will rekindle their travel plans,” says Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair.
The re-introduction of level three lockdown restrictions in mid-December was another heavy blow for everyone in travel and hospitality, from big hotels and smaller guest houses to airport shuttle drivers and restaurant waiters. The new COVID-19 variant has also prevented many international tourists from escaping the winter-stricken Northern Hemisphere to warmer South African shores.
“Things were starting to look up in late November and early December. Domestic airlines had returned around 43% of their seats to the market, which is still unsustainably low but was a high point in the recovery to that stage. In February, it looks like that number may have dropped again to about 38%, which is a huge blow,” says Gordon. “We need to get South Africans travelling again to encourage a sustainable recovery for the tourism industry.”
Let’s face it, it’s a jungle out there. Everyone is struggling to keep up with the changing rules of the various levels of lockdown, and it often feels like we are stuck in a game of peekaboo… now you see me, now you don’t… now we can buy alcohol, now we can’t. And, while many of us have embraced our inner Nigellas by upping our kitchen games dramatically during the lockdown, there are some of us who still can’t make toast without burning it. Therefore, the news that restaurants could reopen for sit-down dining, was received with great excitement in many homes.
“The reopening of restaurants is certainly a sign that things are slowly returning to ‘normal’,” says Rioma Cominelli, a Director at First Loyalty Plus. But, she adds that there will be nothing ‘normal’ about your dining experience. “The rules of engagement have changed. Navigating unchartered waters and venturing out to enjoy a meal at our favourite eateries, can be tricky at best.”
Whilst we all know that we legally need to wear a mask, complete the register on arrival, and sit 1.5m apart; many of us are still struggling with the ‘unsaid’, ‘not-so-obvious’ restaurant etiquette! For example, do we need to wear our mask the entire time? Don’t we? The waters are just so muddy.
Rioma sheds some light on fine art of eating out in the new ‘normal’:
Be conscious
Unless you have perfected the art of eating and drinking with a mask on (alas, many have given it an unsuccessful bash according to their social media feeds), you are going to need to remove it. But, when it’s off, can it stay off? The jury is still out on that. Whilst some restaurants are stricter than others, the general rule of thumb is that if you are not putting something in your mouth, keep it on.
Be cool
Seeing friends, family and colleagues for the first time in three months is bound to get you on your feet and going in for a bear hug. Don’t. Aside from the deathly stares you are likely to get, it’s truly better to be safe than sorry. Instead, greet one another with the Cyril-inspired elbow tap.
Be exclusive
Not being able to physically visit friends and family at home, has many of us racing to make restaurant reservations. But, think twice before you book a table of ten. You are likely to be miles apart (all restaurants are required to have 1.5m gaps between chairs – although some are not implementing it yet), which means you may not only be shouting across a long table, you are unlikely to socialise and connect either. Rather, stick to smaller, exclusive groups – it is not only better for catching up, you will also reduce the risk of spreading any potential germs far and wide.
Be kind
Understand that the restaurant staff are working under very unusual conditions, and often with a skeleton crew, so be kind and be a little more understanding if your meal does not arrive quite as quickly as usual. They’re doing their best to give you a great experience, so be gracious where you can. And no, they cannot sneak you a glass of wine in a tumbler pretending it’s fruit juice, so don’t ask!
Be generous
Most waiters have been unable to work for the past three months, and are quite possibly stressed right now. If you’ve cleverly taken advantage of the First Loyalty Plus programme, you’ll be getting a great discount off your meal (in some cases up to R120 cash back), so please tip generously (plus you’re likely to feel like a million bucks after giving generously too!)
“If you’re not quite ready to venture out, that’s okay! You can still support your favourite eatery by ordering take-away meals. And, with loyalty programmes, like First Loyalty Plus you’ll be exposed to some unbelievable discounts too. And, who can say no to eating more, for less?” Rioma concludes.
The announcement by South African airline FlySafair that it will be introducing a Johannesburg to Mauritius route once the two countries’ borders reopen has been welcomed by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).
FlySafair has been awarded the rights to operate a twice-weekly service between Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius and marks the first regional route for the local carrier.
“This is indeed good news for both the Mauritius and South African tourism industries and will provide many exciting opportunities and collaborations going forward. While the travel ban is still in place, South Africa remains one of our top five source markets for inbound tourism and a priority due partly to its proximity to the island,” says Arvind Bundhun, Director of the MTPA.
“Just a short four-hour flight connects the two countries, and many South African travellers return to the island year after year, considering Mauritius to be their second home. The new service operated by FlySafair will provide further choice to consumers and reinforce and strengthen the flight schedules available on this route.”
Elmar Conradie, CEO of FlySafair, says: “We’re extremely humbled and grateful for the enthusiasm with which the authorities and people of Mauritius have greeted our announcement. We’ve always prided ourselves on offering a service that is affordable, on-time and hassle-free and we look forward to making that a reality on this connection too.”
With Mauritius announcing the commencement of its Covid-19 vaccination rollout programme last week, and the first batch of vaccines arriving in South Africa this week, the MTPA is hopeful that travel between the two countries could be reignited within the next few months. 50,000 front-liners are being considered for the vaccination campaign in Mauritius and, with one of the government’s objectives being to restart the tourism sector in the safest conditions possible, 50% percent of these works in the tourism sector.
“Rebuilding the tourism sector in Mauritius is vital for the economy and the future growth of the country, so this announcement from FlySafair is particularly welcome at this time. We are looking forward to the day when our loyal travellers from South Africa, a country with which we have enjoyed a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship, return to our shores again,” says Bundhun.
While the global pandemic put paid to 2020 arrival figures, South Africans accounted for 181 556 of the 1,38-million tourist arrivals in 2019, an 8.6% share.
The luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches and clear blue seas have always held a strong attraction for South African visitors. But, they also appreciate the harmony and diversity of the islanders, the melting pot of cultures and religions, and the many outdoor pursuits and attractions on offer, resulting in a truly immersive and memorable travel experience.
RwandAir is set to launch a new route into Central Africa with flights to Bangui. The launch of the new intra-African service to the Central African Republic is part of RwandAir’s recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as it opens up new markets and destinations.
The Kigali-based airline will fly to Bangui the capital of Central African Republic, twice a week from February 3 2021, with flights operating on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Tagged to the existing route to Douala in Cameroon, the flight will be operated by one of the airline’s existing Boeing 737 aircraft, offering customers a choice of seats in two cabins, Business Class and Economy Class.
Yvonne Manzi Makolo, RwandAir CEO, said: “The launch of our new twice-weekly service to Bangui will open up a new lucrative market for RwandAir and help stimulate trade in the region and beyond Africa”.
“Thanks to RwandAir’s quick and easy connections via our Kigali hub, we believe this new route will strengthen the growing trade ties in Africa and bolster Rwanda’s growing economy. Customers will benefit from more choice, through our premium onboard service, and will fly in a safe and hygienic environment thanks to our world-class cleaning measures.”
Since August 1 2020, RwandAir has gradually resumed commercial flights across its global network, including most of its African routes, as well as some long-haul destinations such as London Heathrow, Brussels and Dubai.
To ensure the health and safety of its customers as its number one priority, RwandAir has also published a Five-Step Health & Safety Guide to provide for a clean and secure onboard experience.
Tickets for Bangui are now available for sale through rwandair.com, on GallivantPlus, sales offices and travel agencies, and include complimentary travel insurance.
In just the span of a few months in 2020 the world has shifted drastically, since the onset of the unexpected but devastating COVID19 crisis. As of April 2020, over nine in ten people on the planet, or 7.1. Billion people lived in countries with ‘lockdown’ & travel restrictions in place. 39% of the global population were residing in countries that completely closed their borders for non-citizens and non-residents.
Out of the 52 countries in Africa, the most affected countries were South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Cote D’ivoire, Djibouti and Guinea.
Yet, despite the apparent success of lockdowns in slowing the spread of COVID-19, the measures implemented have shattered economies, livelihoods even more in the long run. Indeed, the Travel & Tourism sector has already been tremendously impacted as hundreds of countries suspended flights or halted international travel. Many businesses were forced to close on a temporary basis, often escalating into permanent closures, unfortunately.
NomadAfrica shares our heartfelt sympathy for those affected and now bearing these burdens or repercussions of this crisis and the severe lockdowns. Our sincere appreciation for those still supporting on the frontlines.
Research indicates that anxiety about contracting the virus was high at the height of the crisis. With 90% of the global population staying home in fear of the virus itself.
However as most countries are now emerging from the lockdowns, NomadAfrica is conducting the below opinion poll to establish if these travel concerns are still the case, analyse the travel community’s perceptions of the lockdowns in general and gauge how ready the travel community is to get back to the travel ‘normal’.
We would appreciate hearing your views on this.
IMPORTANT: This survey is purely for research purposes, none of your personal details are required or used. The data and findings are part of our independent research, which is not sponsored, conducted or influenced by any government or political body.
Experts of course also have their own theories and forecasts. The UNWTO conducted a global survey among its UNWTO Panel of Tourism Experts on the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and the expected time of recovery. The survey was conducted during the first week of October 2020 and these were the results:
Thinking of starting your travel plans to Africa’s top travel destinations? Find your local all-in-one booking guide right here: https://gallivantafrica.com/
In 2020 the tourism industry witnessed an unprecedented number of cancelled, dropped and postponed events more than ever before as the world experienced the greatest global challenge in over a century.
Suffice to say, the success of these tourism events and expositions in the coming New Year, 2021, has never been more significant and crucial to the future and revival the industry.
Every travel and tourism agency, company, service provider and stakeholder of note knows that they should now be making note of these upcoming events, bearing in mind the gravity of their success to the industry and start focusing their marketing efforts on them.
By nature tourism events, such as Trade shows, fairs and conferences in the tourism industry are the best way to find new partners and source service providers at a global level. And there is at least one major event for any players in the industry: destinations, hoteliers, F&B, travel agents, airlines, technology providers, start-ups, public institutions and more.
NomadAfrica has compiled our own comprehensive list of upcoming 2021 travel and tourism trade shows, fairs and conferences that are generally considered the largest and most renowned international tourism gatherings in Africa, providing education and insight from industry leaders for every travel and tourism topic imaginable.
Here are our top picks of top billed 2021 events and exhibitions we would love to attend!
World Travel Market Africa, WTM, delivers the leading global events for the travel industry. Taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, the event brings over 6000 travel industry professionals and visitors together as they attend one of Africa’s top business to business exhibitions for both the inbound and outbound African travel and tourism markets.
WTM annually delivers the leading global events for the travel industry. Beyond the event the organisation assists professionals in the African travel industry to network and drive commercial success with year round access to make connections, industry news and developments, trends and technologies from around the world.
Through the industry networks, global reach and regional focus, WTM Africa creates personal and business opportunities providing stakeholders with quality contacts, content and communities.
Dates+Locations: Lagos, Nigeria | 22 – 24 April 2021
Morocco | 22 – 24 July 2021
Kigali, Rwanda | 14 – 16 September 2021
In the travel and tourism world, the term “MICE” is used as an acronym for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions. The MICE market refers to a specialized niche of group tourism dedicated to planning, booking, and facilitating conferences, seminars, and other events, which is a big money-maker in the travel industry.
The Africa MICE Forums, is a series of interactive high-end events designed to connect pre-qualified MICE buyers and local suppliers through fun and authentic experiences across different host destinations.
Unlike other large gatherings, AMFs are intimate forums of about 40-60 participants with each event running for only two nights and one day; a short and effective stay for meeting, negotiating and building meaningful relationships with the best suppliers.
Annually, through these series of events, the AMF invites both local and international MICE buyers including meetings and event planners, communication agencies, venue finding companies, corporates and International Associations interested in doing business in Africa to take advantage of its hosted buyer offerings to discover diverse and rich host destinations.
Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) is a Pan-African dialogue platform. It brings together key stakeholders of Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors to network, share insights, and devise strategies for intra-Africa travel and tourism growth across the continent, whilst enhancing the brand equity of “Destination Africa’’.
Africa Tourism Leadership Awards recognise the game-changers in the tourism sector focusing on notable individuals and groups’ initiatives being pursued across the sector.
Awards Categories include:
Leading in Progressive Policies’ Award
Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award
Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award
Women in Leadership Award
Most Innovative Business Tourism Destination Award
Outstanding Accommodation Facility/Group Award
Outstanding Africa Tourism Media & Marketing Award
Championing Sustainability Award
Destination Africa – Lifetime Award
Among the events 2020 big winners included Ethiopian Airways clinching the Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award, Rwandan President, Paul Kagame who won the Destination Africa Lifetime award and our very own Nomad Africa Magazine that scooped 3rd position in the Outstanding Africa Tourism Media Award!!!
Well done team NOMADAFRICA MAG, we are definitely looking forward to taking the top prize home come 2021!
Comic Con Africa – is the African version of a multi-genre entertainment, comic and fan convention born out of the more widely known International Comic Con events globally.
In 2018, the South African Comic Con journey began when the annual Comic Con Africa was launched in Johannesburg to much excitement in keeping with the events reputation of developing mass media ‘fandoms’ and influencing pop culture.
The four-day festival focusses on all elements of pop culture and brings international and local comic artists, comic book characters, film and TV celebrities to South Africa where they meet fans, sign autographs and have photo ops. Packed with championships, competitions, super show specials, product launches, workshops, panels, Q&A sessions, screenings, activations, and interactive experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy whether you are a casual fan or a bona fide geek.
Experience Africa hosted by the African Travel & Tourism Association, ATTA, is an annual event known for uniting African suppliers with the most relevant, active buyers from the UK & Europe in one place. Experience Africa showcases a refreshingly wide range of inspiring travel products and enticingly curated experiences, all being sold right now across the incredible continent. This essential B2B event will present the very best Africa product portfolios, assuring connectivity between key European buyers and handpicked quality exhibitors, maximising exposure in a way never seen before in the UK.
ATTA will be hosting two Experience Africa events in 2021, the January virtual event will take place from Monday 25th – Wednesday 27th January allowing attendees to schedule one-to-one meetings with Africa suppliers via their online meeting platform as well as attend the virtual webinar sessions.
The event will run for three day, to provide maximum opportunities for one-to-one meetings and networking. The seminar schedule will pay particular attention to educational content that will focus on driving Africa’s tourism revival, post Covid 19.
HIFA-Harare International Festival of Arts (HIFA) 2021
Dates: April 27, 2021 – May 2, 2021
Location: HICC building, Harare, Zimbabwe
The annual Harare International Festival of the Arts, HIFA, held in the capital of Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s largest international arts festivals. The week-long festival typically encompasses five principal disciplines: theatre, music, dance, fine art, and poetry.
Held over six days around late April or early May, HIFA brings international acts to produce a crammed timetable alongside top billed artists. The explosion of artistic creativity unleashed by HIFA enables the people of Zimbabwe to show the world their resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
Performances usually include Afrobeat, funk, jazz, soul, opera, classical music, theatre and dance performed by various local and international artistes.
Location: Bingu International Conference Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
The Takulandirani – Malawi International Tourism Expo, is designed for regional and local buyers, media and tourism enterprises, operators & stakeholders. Yearly it features marketing tips and tricks for tourism SME’s to access international markets, and cultural heritage and tourism.
Malawi, known as the “Warm Heart of Africa and Africa’s Newest Big5 Destination” links the Southern and Eastern Africa regions. As a destination, Malawi offers a myriad of activities not found in other countries in the region such as fresh water beaches and world’s largest fresh water aquarium with over 1,000 unique species of colourful cichlids, challenging biking, trekking and hiking trails.
Lake Malawi offers unique flora and fauna which include the magnificent Lake Malawi, diverse nature which includes rivers, mountains and valleys; wide variety of wildlife in spectacular surroundings; vibrant culture and people legendarily renowned for friendliness and hospitality and international standard MICE facilities.
Africa Trade Week 2021 Taking place from 20-26 June 2021
Africa Trade Week will bring together the hospitality, tourism, food & beverage and the retail sectors under the theme “Africa – the new home of trade.”
Taking place from the 20 – 22 June 2021, the 3-day event will showcase these sectors to the world while building a world-class retail event for Africa which will ensure the spotlight is on the continent in June every year.
Africa Trade Week welcomes over 10,000 local & international industry professionals from 65 countries to source products, services, equipment, supplies, innovations, technology and solutions from over 500 exhibitors.
This showcase also includes free training workshops and live features including competitions are supported by over 20 different global media partners.
International Conference on Sustainable Tourism and Destination Sustainability
The International Conference on Sustainable Tourism and Destination Sustainability aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Sustainable Tourism and Destination Sustainability.
The Conference is a run by a federated organization dedicated to bringing together a significant number of diverse scholarly events for presentation within the conference program. Events will run over a span of time during the conference depending on the number and length of the presentations. With its high quality, it provides an exceptional value for students, academics and industry researchers.
It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Sustainable Tourism and Destination Sustainability
Locations: Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC), South Africa
Africa’s Travel Indaba is much lauded local tourism marketing event that showcases the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products and attracts international buyers and media from across the world.
Africa’s Travel Indaba has won the awards for Africa’s best travel and tourism show. This award was presented by the Association of World Travel Awards.
Indaba brings together a showcase of Southern African tourism products and services for the international travel trade. Exhibitors in the DEC (Durban Exhibition Centre) 12 – 14 May 2021 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC)
Many of our partner teams will be exhibiting or in attendance at this year’s show and welcome the opportunity to meet our trade partners so please do contact us to arrange an introduction and appointment.
Wait! Have You Signed Up For Our Weekly Newsletter?
Sign up for Nomad Africa’s weekly newsletter and never miss out on
travel and tourism updates across the continent of Africa. Get industry insights,
travel tips and understand how the latest trends will affect your business.
Learn more about African culture and support tourism in Africa.
English
Afrikaans
Arabic
Bulgarian
Chichewa
Chinese (Simplified)
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Dutch
Filipino
Finnish
French
German
Greek
Hausa
Hawaiian
Hebrew
Hindi
Igbo
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latin
Lithuanian
Malay
Polish
Portuguese
Punjabi
Russian
Sesotho
Shona
Slovenian
Somali
Spanish
Sudanese
Swahili
Swedish
Thai
Turkish
Ukrainian
Urdu
Vietnamese
Xhosa
Yoruba
Zulu