Top 5 Highlights from Africa’s Travel Indaba 2019:
This month Africa’s Travel Indaba 2019 rolled into town and it was certainly not disappointing. There was plenty to do and see all around Durban where the travel and trade show was held.
Here are the top 5 highlights from the event:
The unveiling of a wall mural at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2019
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| The Wall Mural | Image: Fred Felton |
The wall mural was unveiled by the South African Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Michelle Constant one of the board members of South African Tourism said one of the greatest challenges for South Africans is unlocking the great potential of its extraordinary historical and present culture.
Four artists came together to create the mural, which took a year to plan and 10 days to create.
‘’It was very pressurised to get it done but it was exciting to come together with the other artists and produce something we are very proud of,’’ says artist Samora Chapman.
Kev Seven, another of the artists has been a graffiti artist for 12 to 15 years. ‘’This mural is significant not only because it is one of a kind, but because it is the first mural of this kind in the Durban ICC.’’
New APP launched for Eastern Cape Tourism
A new APP was launched which will help tourists to book accommodation, find tour guides and much more when visiting the Eastern Cape province. The APP shows all the features of the province, destinations, activities, important numbers and service centres required by tourists.
To find the APP just search for ‘Explore Eastern Cape’ on the Google play store or Apple App store.
The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
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| Image: Fred Felton |
The media were invited to hear all about the 20th Anniversary of their inscription as a World Heritage Site. Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom encouraged everyone to visit the site.
Some interesting facts about the site:
Did you know that you could have your wedding at The Cradle of Humankind?
Maropeng means ‘returning to the place of our origins’ in Setswana, the most commonly spoken indigenous language in the Cradle of Humankind area.
The Cradle of Humankind is only 45 minutes’ drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.
More than 2300 hominin fossils have been found here in the 53 000 hectares area, more than any other place on Earth.
Sterkfontein Caves in The Cradle of Humankind is open daily to the public for tours.
The visitors centre is a fun, interactive and educational experience for the whole family.
The site also features a 4-star Boutique Hotel at Maropeng and a conference facility for up to 500 delegates.
The Kruger Shalati Train on a Bridge
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| The Train Hotel |
Yes you read that correctly. Coming soon to a bridge near you is a luxurious hotel on a bridge. This hotel will be stationed on the historical Selati Bridge in the Kruger National Park. If you enjoy something different and the next level of glamping then this is for you.
Thebe Tourism Group will open this hotel to the world in December 2019.
There will also be an innovative pool deck where guests can get spectacular views of the river and of course the Big 5 roaming below.
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| The Pool Deck |
This Afro-chic boutique hotel will offer 24 en-suite rooms to sleep 48 guests. There will also be more accommodation in the Bridge House with 14 beds.
Added to this will be fine dining and leisure experiences for guests.
Game drives are includes in your packages.
Book your spot now.
The inspiring traveller Thebe Ikalafeng
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| Thebe Ikalafeng | Image: Fred Felton |
At Indaba I managed to sit in on one of the Business Conversations and this one featured Thebe Ikalafeng where he shared with us his travels throughout Africa.
He has visited many places including Mount Kilamanjaro, Victoria Falls, Tanzania and many more.
Here are some of the key insights he shared with the audience:
‘’The way I operate when I travel, I don’t want to get an advanced notice’’
‘’We must go eat where the people go eat’’
‘’Every Rwandan knows someone who was killed during the genocide’’
‘’We have an amazing continent in terms of architecture’’
His final thought, ‘’I am Africa’’
Inspiring words from an inspiring man.
You can find him on Twitter @ThebeIkalafeng
This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton
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