South African Tourism pursues bid for 2009 ASTA International Destination Expo

Jul 18, 07

Officials from South African Tourism will be hosting key executives from ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) on a 10-day site inspection of South African sites from July 13 through July 23. This is one of the last stages in the ASTA decision making process for the destination that will host the 2009 International Destination Expo, which promises to bring 800 to 1000 American travel agents to South Africa.

"We are so excited to be short-listed for this honor," said Deborah Parker, Acting Country Manager for South African Tourism in the United States. "To win the bid for the 2009 IDE would be a coup for South African Tourism. It would mean that we would be exposed to the crème-de-la-crème of travel agents and would serve to showcase what a world-class destination South Africa is. It will also make it much easier for these agents to effectively sell the destination, which is a key element of our marketing initiatives in the U.S."

The ASTA site inspection will co-hosted by some of South African Tourism's key travel partners, including Dragonfly Africa, one of South Africa's leading destination management companies; South African Airways, the official air carrier of South Africa; Sun International Resorts, which owns and operates resorts luxury hotel products, and casinos throughout Africa; and Sabi Sabi Luxury Game Lodge, a luxury game lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve. The tour will include a visit to Sun City Resort near Pilanesburg National Park, Sabi Sabi, Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
South African Tourism is the organization mandated with the international tourism marketing activities of the country. For more information visit www.southafrica.net.