Plett Tourism participates at the 100% virtual World Travel Market exhibition
WTM Africa 2021 presented their first 100% virtual exhibition this year, from 7 – 9 April 2021, with a distinctive focus on ‘offering value beyond the show floor’.
Plett Tourism, along with other industry role players from the area, participated in the first stage of this robust plan, and will be participating throughout the remainder of 2021, with additional benefits introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition to the virtual show in April, which consisted of 1-on-1 meetings, content sessions and speed networking, organisers Reed Exhibitions have lined up a collection of add-on events throughout the year, which include:
- Educational content webinars from May-August.
- Africa Travel Week: Connect in the City Live from 1-3 September, including on-site experiences in the official Host City of Cape Town.
- A series of virtual masterclasses from September to November.
Plett Tourism coordinated representation from the self-catering and camping, boutique hotel and guest house/BNB, and the hotel/lodge and resort hospitality sectors. Each representative introduced new travel professionals to the Garden Route, our beautiful town of Plettenberg Bay, and to the many accommodation options within those sectors. Restaurants, activities, retail, and tourism services were promoted alongside our many wonderful establishments with a special focus on Bitou/Plettenberg Bay’s unique selling points.
Plett Tourism members invited to represent the different accommodation sectors included Plett Villas (self-catering and camping), Barrington’s (boutique hotel, guest house and BNB), and The Plettenberg (hotel, lodge, and resort).
“WTM Africa is a fantastic platform through which to launch new products, to meet travel professionals, and to experience the South African travel industry. With a vibrant, culturally diverse audience of tourism professionals, our representation increased brand exposure, generated new sales leads, strengthened existing relationships, and closed new business for the area,” comments Patty Butterworth (CEO, Plett Tourism).
She also adds, “This year’s event had an interesting audience of buyers, many had never been to South Africa and were interested in more than city experiences. Of great interest was hiking trails, volunteer programmes and family-based programmes that included conservation and eco-tourism projects. It wasn’t the normal mix of buyers and media, but rather new agents from non-traditional SA markets. In particular, a large number of US agents.”
Post WTM Africa, Plett Tourism has been invited to participate in educational trips with select Destination Marketing Company operators and are busy putting together unique itineraries for these. All travel trade contacts will be added to the Plett Tourism quarterly ‘Travel Trade Business Briefs’ newsletter and several are already engaging with select products and services.
Stay informed, get inspired and watch the WTM 2021 video presentations
