Wall-to-wall coverage of the Pistorius trial this summer saw South Africa in the spotlight – but the jury is still out on whether it painted the country in a favourable or negative light. Laura Gelder looks at the many positives for agents to share with clients wondering if there are golden experiences at the end of a fl ight to the Rainbow Nation
SEALING THE DEAL
world, with a healthy infl ux from the UK. While many enjoy its incredible wildlife, natural beauty, gastronomy and adventure activities there are many more who dismiss it as a destination because of fears about safety or simple misconceptions as to what the country has to offer. Recent TV profi les of South Africa saw actor
A
Robson Green fi shing his way around the country, journalist Julia Bradbury showcasing its magnifi cent walks and Charlie Boorman tackling the fantastic driving routes. Sky’s new reality TV show, 50 Way to Kill your Mammy, recently saw Irish personality Baz Ashmawy push his mother to
vast land with a troubled past and huge potential for future growth, South Africa currently attracts tourists from around the
the limits around the world with various challenges, and an episode in South Africa showcased the country’s adrenalin sports like shark cage diving, ostrich riding, bungee jumping and paragliding.
If these programmes still haven’t convinced your clients that South Africa is the place for them, here are some 'come-backs' to those oft-repeated misconceptions about the destination:
“MY CUSTOMERS ARE NERVOUS ABOUT DOING A SELF-DRIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA" Audley Travel's website says: “Thousands of visitors enjoy safe and trouble-free self-driving holidays in South Africa each year. They do this by driving sensibly and applying common sense.”
sellingtravel.co.uk
The tour operator recommends that to avoid navigating around an unfamiliar city after a 12-hour fl ight, travellers are transferred to their hotel and arrange to have their hire car delivered the following day.
Louise Stanion, Africa Product Manager, Cox & Kings “I couldn’t disagree more with this statement. I spent three weeks driving around South Africa this May and it’s totally set up for self-drive. It should be highly recommended for those who enjoy holidays with fl exibility and freedom. “After quickly picking up my car at Johannesburg airport, in less than 30 minutes I was travelling to Kruger National Park. The lanes were clearly
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