Why do people visit South Africa? Is it to experience the diversity of cultures found in this rainbow nation? Maybe because of our wildlife and that special award winning photo? Or living in budget conscience times is it because we are affordable? These are some of the questions running through my head while standing at the airport in Johannesburg waiting for another international group making use of the services of PenQuin Tours and Transfers.
Interesting that the South African tourism numbers are increasing while most countries are fighting a losing battle luring tourists to their different destinations? Should we maybe start acknowledging the fact that a great number of our “tourists” is coming from our African neighbours in search of a better life in the city of gold rather than Spanish hunters searching for our Big 5?
Great that South African Tourism launched the local budget travel campaign but how can someone local even afford travelling within the borders of our country when petrol prices are rising faster than a Springbok rugby supporter’s blood pressure when he hears the name Bryce?
Our target markets has always been the UK or USA and even Germany but is it not time that we now start focusing more on India, China and Japan? My personal opinion is let’s get back to basics. Let’s focus on service delivery again with a smile and look at our Lodge and Hotel prices compared to other destinations around the world in the same category as South Africa.
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