A partnership between DMC Sense of Africa and Brazil-based tour operator Diversa Turismo is driving a noticeable increase in demand for South Africa in the rapidly growing South American market.
Sense of Africa Managing Executive Suzanne Benadie recently returned from a trip to Brazil for a series of engagements and events that showcased South Africa’s offerings to South American travel agents and Brazilian multi-brand leisure travel company Grupo Arbo.
After presenting to Grupo Arbo in São Paulo and hosting high-end travel agents at a lunch and wine pairing, Benadie promoted the country to around 500 travel agents at the Diversa workshop in the city of Salvador. A highlight of the two-day workshop was an immersive virtual reality room that allowed the agents to experience a taste of the African savannah. The event also showcased SA Tourism’s “Come Find Your Joy” global brand campaign.
“The event was extremely well-received by travel agents. We observed a high level of engagement throughout the entire programme — especially during the immersive experience we curated around South Africa in partnership with Sense of Africa and SA Tourism,” said Mariana Azevedo, Product and Operations Director at Diversa Turismo.
Azevedo said Diversa’s partnership with Sense of Africa has been highly impactful in driving bookings for South Africa.
“We’ve seen a noticeable increase in demand for South Africa — not just for traditional safaris but for more complete itineraries that include cultural, gastronomic and immersive experiences. Sense of Africa’s on-the-ground support has given our agents the confidence to sell the destination.”
Brazil was one of South Africa’s fastest-growing overseas source markets in the first six months of 2025, experiencing a 15.9% year-on-year growth to 27 775 arrivals. The smaller Argentinian market enjoyed a 41% growth to just over 4 200 arrivals.
Azavedo said the partnership has enabled Diversa to deliver highly personalised itineraries to Brazilian travellers.
“This relationship strengthens Diversa’s ability to position South Africa not only as a bucket list destination but as a highly accessible, customisable and premium travel experience for the Brazilian market.”
Benadie said South Africa continues to offer Brazilian travellers a diversity of experiences at affordable prices.
“Apart from the traditional offerings of Kruger and Cape Town, we sought to raise awareness of the shopping and lifestyle options of Gauteng and alternative safari options such as the Madikwe Game Reserve,” said Benadie.
She said the Diversa partnership is “educating many agents about what is possible in terms of on-the-ground delivery of world-class tourism experiences”.
