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Through My Eyes

Through My Eyes

Author: Kasia Yoko
Date: 2013-05-16
This year's Indaba is a true indication of just how big the tourism market in South Africa really is and how paramount it is to keep the beds filled, to keep the industry going and keep the jobs of hundreds of thousands of South Africans employed in the industry.

However speaking to various travel bodies at the Indaba the global tourism trends have changed and they continue to change and staying abreast of the tourism game is becoming more and more challenging. While the rest of the world struggles with changing travel trends, South Africa is fighting hard to keep the African dream holiday firmly on the travel itinerary of the international Globe Trekker.

"Travel is not what it use to be." One exhibitor told me. "People who travel today have a limited time to see everything they want to, so an average a traveller to South Africa will have twelve days to visit a Game reserve, do the wine route and see some cultural activities and while travel agents have been instrumental in directing and booking their destinations, today's traveller is able to go on the internet and find his/her way around the best deals and packages."

Hospitality today is a tough industry. Just have a look at the ridiculous rates some of the big international hotel chains have on offer. I guess it is fair to say that an average night in a hotel has not increased in price for a good five years and while everything is sky rocketing, the hospitality trade needs to keep their rates down to attract the discerning traveller, who has all the 'killer deals' at their finger tips.

My own travel style has changed. I no longer want to trek through the unknown countryside looking for that perfect chill spot. Gone are the days of backpacking through remote landscapes, surviving on $5 a night and living free on the beach. Today I would much rather spend my days sipping pink cocktails with tiny umbrellas stuck to a pineapple hanging over my martini glass, chilling by the pool of some luxury five star resort rather than share a kitchen with some Peruvian mama who does not speak English and has hygiene issues. I too research my journey, look at the deals and make direct enquiries.

And while I remain optimistic I can't help but worry. An American travel agent told me that Durban is not a destination Americans are keen to visit. She said that Botswana has a much more attractive and authentic African experience and while the Yankees do use South Africa as their entry point into Africa, most pass through either Johannesburg or Cape Town and then carry on to other exotic African destinations.

And while doing my rounds I bumped into another American travel agent who specialises in gay travels. He told me that just ten per cent of Americans have passports and out of that number 90% of gay Americans travel and gay travel is big business. "The gay traveller loves beautiful destinations that will allow him the freedom to be free to be himself." Says Bryan Herb from Zoom Vacations. " A gay traveller is interested in the gay laws of the country that he visits and wants to experience the modern global lifestyle."

While Bryan admits that his numbers of gay tourist are still relatively small, only about twenty travellers per year, he is clear that these numbers are growing.

So global travelling trends are clearly changing. With new destinations opening up, new travel interests emerging and a new, more assertive and informed traveller arriving on our shores looking for a more authentic African experience at a reduced rate.