The screening of Sir David Attenborough’s newest wildlife documentary series entitled ‘Africa’ has resulted in a surge in interest in travel to the continent.
Since the series began showing in the UK, searches for holidays to African destinations has risen by 310% compared with the average month, says operator sunshine.co.uk. “Actual holiday bookings for African destinations have increased by 37% since the first episode of ‘Africa’ was aired, when again compared to bookings made through the site in the average month.
Other operators are reporting even more impressive increases. UK-based long-haul operator, Hayes & Jarvis, says Kenya has staged a strong recovery to regain popularity as the “Attenborough-effect has driven a TV audience fascinated by the latest BBC wildlife blockbuster”. In its first long-haul trend report for 2013, Hayes & Jarvis says sales are soaring on the back of the screening of the series ending a long lean period. Kenya now rates third in its top 10 destinations of 2013 list with a 77% increase in early bookings for the UK summer holidays. Tanzania is ranked its eighth best selling destination for the year so far.
The five-part series premières in South Africa on BBC Knowledge, Channel 184 on DSTV on February 17 at 18h00.
