South Africa Attractions Go Beyond the Safari

South Africa is well known as a safari destination but its appeal extends far beyond that experience.

The country offers a broad range of “authentic and distinct experiences” as compelling as its safari and wildlife attractions, according to Sthu Zungu, president of South African Tourism North America.

Zungu spoke with Travel Market Report about South Africa’s cultural, historic, adventure and wellness travel offerings and how agents can sell them.

Do U.S. travelers and travel agents have too narrow a view of South Africa’s attractions, thinking the country is only a safari destination?
Zungu: This common misconception is actually what inspired our What’s Your BIG 5? Campaign, a 360-degree platform aimed at redefining the proverbial “BIG 5” of South Africa’s iconic safari animals to underscore the broad range of authentic and distinct experiences found only in South Africa.

We launched the campaign last April [2013] on NBC’s “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice” and it was a huge hit. The episode demonstrated a multitude of travel experiences, including world-class epicurean culture, spas, art, shark-cage diving, zip lining, surfing and more. A spectrum of distinct experiences that Americans were previously unaware of suddenly became the talk of Twitter and Facebook.

How can agents can become better educated about South Africa’s different travel experiences?
Zungu: Visit us at our newly re-designed website  which makes it easier for agents to plan and book a visit to South Africa, tailored to clients’ interests and preferences.

It also offers a unique and interactive look into South Africa’s rich and diverse travel offerings, as told by our “BIG 5” Ambassadors, comprised of celebrity figures, tastemakers and travel influencers, and of course, our lovable digital giraffe mascot, Zandi!

What other key adventure activities agents should know about,  particularly those that can boost their sales?
Zungu: Thrilling adventures can be found in virtually every province of South Africa, making the possibilities truly endless.

Among our most celebrated places to find high-adrenaline activities are Sun City in the Eastern Cape, home to the tallest, fastest and longest zip line tour in the world, and the fishing village of Gansbaai in the Western Cape, the birthplace of South Africa’s heart-racing shark cage diving excursions.

There’s also the Legend Golf and Safari Resort in Limpopo Province, the world’s only golf course that requires a helicopter ride to reach its Extreme 19th hole, and the Bloukran’s Bridge Bungy along the scenic Garden Route, the highest commercial jump from a bridge in the world

Additionally, South Africa is home to stunning, pristine and diverse beaches. From the KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape provinces to the Garden Route, the beaches boast hundreds of awesome swells fitting for surfers of all levels.

Are there also visitor markets for safaris that agents are unaware of?
Zungu: Multi-generational family travel is a huge trend this year and it is an important one helping to grow tourism to South Africa. Family safaris are especially appealing to this market as there are no age barriers to its enjoyment. Grandparents and children alike can appreciate the majesty and wonder of watching a pride of lions deep in slumber from just ten feet away.
 
Safari operators are responding to this trend by creating more family-friendly safari experiences, such as the WILDChild program offered at &Beyond [a conservation-focused, luxury experiential travel company], which offers special game drives and excursions in the bushveld specifically targeted to younger children.

What does South Africa offer in terms of cultural and historic travel?
Zungu: South Africa is renowned for its deep-rooted, culture-rich heritage. In fact, it is home to the “Cradle of Humankind” – one of eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa – believed to carry the world’s oldest human remains.

Cultural museums are prevalent throughout South Africa, from Cape Town to Mpumalanga, and provide a strong educational benefit to those visiting the country.

Our country is truly a melting pot of ethnic cultures comprised of Dutch, Portuguese, British, Malaysian, Indian and Zulu influences, as well as colorful tribal enclaves where storytellers abound.  What most visitors enjoy is learning about recent history in places like Soweto and Robben Island.

Has Nelson Mandela’s death sparked more interest in sites associated with his life?
Zungu:  As a tourism board we have been so humbled by the outpouring of love and warm wishes following the passing of South Africa’s greatest father. Even in death, Mandela’s legacy lives on, as travelers are inspired to experience the many living breathing spaces across the country that celebrate his life.

The top attractions [related to Mandela] include: Robben Island, where he spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment; the Mandela House on Vilakazi Street, his home in Soweto; Howick, the infamous site of his arrest in KwaZulu-Natal, and other celebrated heritage sites including the Apartheid Museum, Freedom Park and Hector Pieterson Museum.