Launched early July 2020, OurAfrica.Travel 2020 replaces the industry’s traditional brick-and-mortar exhibition experiences, which has been hard by the COVID-19 lockdown and subsequent cancellation of numerous travel trade shows and exhibitions.
As such, OurAfrica.Travel will connect African suppliers such as hotels, lodges, activity operators and inbound operators with global buyers, via pre-scheduled one-on-one, face-to-face virtual meetings.
Co-founder, Storm Napier said the team has been overwhelmed by the response from exhibitors and buyers alike: “OurAfrica.Travel is a new, affordable way to reignite and reunite Africa with the world – and the reaction has been incredible. Some of the first supporters include recognised names such as New Frontiers, Escape & Explore, Wilderness Safaris, Triumph Travel, Singita, Red Carnation Hotels, Jamala Madikwe, Mosaic Lagoon Lodge, Onguma, Chiwani Safari Camps, Time+Tide, Rovos Rail.”
So far over 150 exhibitors from countries across Africa have been registered, with over 120 buyers signed up to date. These include Private Safaris Switzerland, Swain Destinations, Swagman, FTI Touristik, Lusso and The Africa Adventure Company.
All participating exhibitors have invited their local and international buyer partners, including tour operators, travel agencies and MICE organisers who sell Africa.
Meetings dates and participating countries (global trade buyers)
The virtual travel show will accommodate buyers across different geographic regions and time zones.
Meeting dates:
- August 11 – 13: Australia, New Zealand & Asia Pacific (3 days): 2am – 10am CAT
- August 17 -21: North America, South America & Canada (5 days): 4pm – 1am CAT
- August 24 – 28: Europe, United Kingdom, Ireland & Africa (5 days): 9am – 6pm CAT
- Global Saturdays: August 15, 22 and 29: 9am – 6pmpm CAT
‘Global Saturdays’ are open days that allow for the overflow of appointments that could not be accommodated within the exhibition schedule, and any buyer from anywhere may meet with any exhibitor, based on CAT.
Online diaries will open on August 1, 2020 to begin scheduling 15-minute meetings.
Attendance on the platform is monitored by organisers to ensure that confirmed meetings are honoured by both exhibitors and buyers.
Buyers and exhibitors participation
Buyer participation for OurAfrica.Travel 2020 is free, easy and convenient. A buyer registers via a dedicated link, and once signed up they are admitted to the virtual platform and can begin networking with exhibitors.
Access to all of the above mentioned dates is to open to interested exhibitors representing travel products from all over Africa. Online calendars are open as of August 1 at a cost of R1, 249 per participation / sign up.
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