New Frontiers Tours Founder Craig Smith tragically passed away in a car accident on September 13.
Smith founded New Frontiers Tours in 2004 with a vision to create a boutique DMC, specialising in mostly owner-run and managed properties, with local experiences that expanded the traditional reach of inbound tourism in South Africa at the time. Prior to this, he was International Sales Manager for Thompsons Africa. In recent years, he also created the Myguru.travel platform connecting international travel designers and consumers.
Paying tribute to Smith, SATSA CEO David Frost, said: “Craig was not only a pioneering entrepreneur but also a kind and empathetic leader whose influence will be felt for many years to come.
“In establishing New Frontiers, Craig built one of the most dynamic and respected DMCs South Africa has ever seen. He infused the business with his own values, which continue to resonate within the company today. His foresight in forging transformative partnerships, such as with Ilios Travel, reflected his vision for the industry and his belief in shared growth.
“On a personal level, I was fortunate to count Craig as a colleague and a friend. Our paths crossed many times over the years, and I was always struck by his integrity, his generosity and his unwavering belief that one could lead and succeed without diminishing others. He was always so humbly boyish. He willingly shared his wisdom, his customers and his time always with humility and grace.”
