SA Tourism expects to reach approximately 60% of its Southern European trade network by hosting two major French travel agency events in South Africa this year – strengthening prospects for a much-needed boost in arrivals from the region.
Post-COVID South Africa has struggled to recover arrivals from France – the country’s fourth-largest European source market. The 93 195 arrivals recorded between January and September equate to 80% of the comparative 2019 figure.
Cape Town hosted the Havas Voyages Convention in March and will host the 50th Selectour Network Congress from November 24-29. Collectively, the approximately 685 participants represent a network of over 1 900 travel agencies, according to Ian Utermohlen, SA Tourism’s Regional GM for Europe.
“This equates to almost 60% of our trade distribution channel in South Europe so securing the bids for those events is huge for us.”
Utermohlen said the events will further amplify the benefits brought by the Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari resort opening in KwaZulu-Natal in 2026.
“Our Europe teams have already trained over 600 travel agents on Club Med. A total of 80% of the 7 000 annual visitors to the resort will be international and 80% of those from France. So we’re confident that this will boost recovery,” he added.
Utermohlen said the R2 billion (US$115 million) commitment by Club Med will bolster international investor confidence in the country.
“We’ve seen the immense positive impact of catalytic mega-projects such as Sun City and the V&A Waterfront on tourism. Club Med shows confidence in South Africa and will help us to distribute many more tourists throughout KwaZulu-Natal, especially if we manage to get a direct Air France flight into Durban.”
