Limpopo at its best

TThe aim of these workshops is to highlight and provide a platform to promote local businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry, strengthen current relationships between these industry leaders and encourage future business ventures.

On 22 and 23 November 2016, SATSA-accredited tour operators got to experience the best of what Limpopo has to offer in the national Speed Marketing sessions, and it’s without a doubt everyone was truly captivated with what was presented to them. These sessions, hosted in partnership with SAT, SATSA and Limpopo Tourism, play an important role to encourage tourism leaders to share knowledge, build relationships and ultimately boost tourism in the province.

Day one of the Speed Marketing sessions kicked off at Warmbaths, A Forever Resort in Bela Bela. Renowned for its mineral baths, outdoor activities and leisure facilities, this incredible resort was the perfect base for tourism establishments to package their offerings and present to the SATSA-accredited tour operators. From national parks such as Marakele National Park, which is situated in the south-western part of the Waterberg Mountains, and safari camps including the Mtomeni Safari Camp, African Ivory Route to adventure centres such as the Blyde Canyon Adventure Centre, a variety of tourism facilities in Limpopo had a chance to promote their businesses and sell the province as a desirable destination to visit.

Tshipise, A Forever Resort is a lush bushveld retreat 37km from Musina and its sales and marketing manager Fran-Rico says: “The Speed Marketing sessions are a great opportunity to get to know what your surrounding areas consist of and what type of lodges and resorts there are. You’re exposed to great ideas that you can to implement in your own establishment.”

Melissa Wiehahn, marketing manager of WH leisure group adds that “it’s really great to be exposed and to see other products in Limpopo while building relationships and co-marketing in the province”.

Day two allowed tour operators to experience warm African hospitality at Mabula Game Lodge. This private game reserve that covers 12 000 hectares of land offers extraordinary encounters with Africa’s Big Five and bush experiences. From indulging in traditional African cuisine around a bon fire and watching African dancers perform, to witnessing wildlife graze the plains, tour operators got the best of the bushveld at this Limpopo gem.

What also materialised from the second day of the Speed Marketing sessions is that the elephants at Adventures With Elephants are incredible animals and that interacting with them is truly a privilege as it is a unique experience. Between 2010 and 2012, nearly 100 000 elephants were killed for their ivory by poaches, and witnessing the grace and beauty of the elephants (Shan, Mussina, Zambezi and Bela) reinforced the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.

Thereafter tour operators enjoyed a light lunch at Zebula Golf Estate and Spa, a premier destination in South Africa for golfing enthusiasts, while Klein Kariba Holiday Resort  was the final venue to enjoy dinner and settle in for the night.

SATSA Chairperson for Limpopo and owner of Kukummi Safaris, Evelien Klokman concluded that the 2016 Speed Marketing sessions were a resounding success: “I think we did a good job. The operators got to listen to a wide variety of products that all showcased why you should come to the area. The operators left with a higher knowledge and better interest of the area.”

For more information about what we saw and what we did, check out the blogs on the SAT website.

To enquire about upcoming events, please contact Noluthando Mazibuko.

Email: noluthando@southafrica.net

Tel: +27 11 895 3138