“These are tough times but we believe we will get through them stronger and more resilient than ever,” said Yolanda Woeke, Vice President: Sales and Marketing for Dragonfly Africa, addressing key industry partners last week.
She told Tourism Update that Dragonfly – like most inbound businesses – had not seen the kind of numbers they would have liked to since international borders partially reopened in East African and Southern Africa countries over the past two months.
“We have seen a little bit of leisure inbound in East Africa but that’s not really what we were hoping for. We are really anxious for South Africa’s borders to open without restrictions so we can welcome our international guests back,” said Woeke.
We asked her some burning questions around borders reopening:
Q: With key source markets experiencing a second wave does this affect Dragonfly’s growth projections and recovery?
A: Totally. We operate in Europe and the United Kingdom and this has now obviously created new fears. Clients will not be travelling soon due to hard lockdowns in these countries.
Q: Which regions are currently more popular?
A: East Africa as they are opening their borders. They have also introduced good quarantine and entry regulations that are do-able, realistic and working!
Q: And which source markets are showing the most interest?
A: For South Africa, the United States.
Q: When do you expect tourist numbers to properly rebound?
A: In our opinion, and looking at current trends, we are hoping for Quarter 3 or 4 next year.
Q: What is Dragonfly doing to market to key source markets in the short, medium and long term?
A: Staying top of mind as a desirable destination. Highlighting the fact that social distancing is a very natural way of experiencing Destination East and Southern Africa. And of course, continually talking to our clients.
Q: Any other thoughts you’d like to share?
A: Just to reiterate that we, as an industry, need to urge the government to open to markets that positively contribute to our economy and our industry. We also have to ensure we don’t make it difficult or challenging for tourists to enter our borders.
