Wayne Pritchard, who started An African Anthology 11 years ago, has decided to leave the business and start a new venture – Wilderness Explorer.
“There comes a time when everyone needs a change of one sort or another, a new challenge and perhaps a new direction,” says Pritchard. “Many would take a sabbatical, re-energise and then return to their original business, and whilst I’m very proud of what we have achieved in Anthology by growing a number of businesses, I am going to pursue and develop a new business.” He explains that a natural consequence of building businesses is that they get to a point where they require dedicated focus in particular areas to progress.
“Considering new travel trends, one of which is characterised by a new crop of buzzwords, a couple of which include ‘experiential or immersive travel’ and ‘digital detox’, I will explore, develop and present hospitality establishments which, in my view, best meet some of these new traveller interests.”
Wilderness Explorer will focus on partnering with eco-tourism establishments with a view to concentrating on developing solutions for eco-tourism businesses, in what has become an ever-changing operating environment, says Pritchard. This will extend to all areas of eco-tourism businesses.
“My immediate focus will be to continue supporting the growth of Chiefs Luxury Safari Camps, as we have been doing for the past seven years. This focus will also continue to develop the partnership we began some five years ago with South African National Parks, amongst others. Chiefs’ growth is exciting and dynamic and driven by a team of extremely energised individuals, and I am very excited to share this with the travel trade in the near future.”
An African Anthology will be managed by long-time business partner, Chris Anagnostellis, and continue to focus on its core business, which is representing tourism products. Pritchard will also continue to work closely with Anthology and assist the company where he can.
