South Africa

Discover why South Africa is the adventure capital of the world, why our natural beauty and wildlife will leave you awestruck, why it is possible to afford luxury and why our friendly people, rich culture and freedom struggle will warm your heart!

Follow the African drum, bright stars and city streets. From the hustle and bustle of Cape Town to the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Cape Winelands, the endless horizons of the Namib Desert to the amazing wildlife in the Okavango Delta, the tranquility of unspoilt beaches in the Quirimbas to the colourful markets in Antananarivo, the fascinating mystery of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins to the roaring thunder of the majestic Victoria Falls – Southern Africa has so much to offer.

Destination Insider

Liezl Viviers

Divisional Meetings & Incentives Manager Kuoni Destination Management South Africa

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION?

There is no other place in the world that offers fine dining at the foot of Table Mountain on one day, followed by a 5* dinner deep in the African bush around a log fire with wild African lions roaring in the background, all under a carpet of the Southern cross stars. The warmth, generosity, spirit and soul of our people are a bonus, we are proudly African.

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN YOUR REGION?

Cape Town and surroundings, Sun City Resort, Kruger National Park region, Botswana and Zambia.

WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND YOUR DESTINATION FOR MEETINGS AND INCENTIVES?

We offer unrivalled 5* properties, services and excellent state-of-the-art meetings, events and conferencing facilities.

WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE A TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL WHO IS PLANNING A MEETING IN YOUR DESTINATION?

Choose a winning partner who understands the client’s objective. Secondly, a site inspection prior to the main event is crucial.

HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE COST OF HOLDING A MEETING IN YOUR DESTINATION IN COMPARISON TO OTHERS?

Africa is an inexpensive destination. As one of the biggest destination management companies in Africa, Kuoni has strong purchasing power and our clients are well-assured that what we offer is unique experiences and great value for money. All our numerous repeat clients are testament to that.

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOU FEEL ARE NEEDED IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS BUSINESS?

First and foremost, you need passion for your destination and creating an unforgettable life-changing experience for every visitor to Africa. Secondly, you must have product knowledge and a clear understanding of your clients’ objectives in order to deliver above their expectations.

BEING SO FAR AWAY FROM EUROPE, WHEN WOULD BE THE BEST PLACE AND TIME TO MEET YOU IN PERSON?

I attend the major incentive shows annually: both IMEX in Frankfurt and EIBTM in Barcelona. The launch of IMEX USA is also very exciting for us to further expand the Kuoni Destination Management brand.

HOW HAS THE SUCCESS OF THE WORLD CUP IN 2010 IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS?

The obvious benefits are the upgrading of our international airports, roads and transport infrastructure, the most notable being the launch of our first mass rapid transit railway, the Gautrain, which links Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport. The event has showcased South Africa to potential international travelers as it was broadcasted to over 300 million people. It offered us the opportunity to promote the destination to an audience that would previously not have chosen South Africa as an option. The socio-economic benefits are priceless, visible and ‘tangible’ in the smiles that greet you wherever you go! Beyond and above it all, it has once again unified us as a proud African country.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE FUTURE FOR THE MEETINGS & INCENTIVES INDUSTRY?

The incentive industry is constantly evolving. Participants are seeking to ‘give’ something back to society and to their chosen destination; making travel sustainable and more viable for future generations and still balancing it with the ‘brag’ factor of being part of an exotic and innovative incentive programme.