Now Media Webcasting signs up with broadcast company to promote travel to SA

ATC broadcasts infomercial-based programmes on DSTV and 30 local African channels reaching 48 African countries to sell, produce and broadcast travel programmes

Sales and marketing manager for NM Webcasting, Helen Squirrell, says: "We are very excited by the venture as we can now offer webcasting as an online marketing tool to so many wonderful tourism products in the SADC region. Prior to the venture, it was impossible to reach potential clients who so desperately needed the international exposure because of our limited man-power, resources and their dispersed geographical locations.

"This venture will hopefully play an integral part in growing Africa and Southern Africa's tourism. Furthermore, we are able to offer everyone as much exposure as possible for their media investment."

This is in line with South African Tourism's strategy to grow international tourism from Africa with a recent report - published by the tourism body - indicating that 70% of all international tourist arrivals to South Africa hail from Africa. The report further states that travel and tourism arrivals from Africa is expected to grow faster than any other region.

NM Webcasting's sister publication, Travel News Now - a daily online publication focusing on travel and tourism trade-related news and issues - recently published statistics indicating a "whopping 14% growth in African arrivals from January to November 2005" The article goes on to say that Statistics South Africa indicates that the "vast majority of mainland African visitors arriving in South Africa have cited 'holiday' as their main purpose.

Morne du Plessis, CEO of ATC, explains that this joint venture will have a two-fold effect: "The travel programmes will not only stimulate interest in travel to South Africa, but depending on what the programmes focus on, could get South Africans and international visitors excited about travel opportunities and products in Africa as a whole, particularly the SADC region."

He says further: "Our eight sales representatives will be selling the NM webcasting product all over the SADC region and this venture will open up a whole new market for our company as well as offer value-added services and exposure to both companies' clients."

Squirrell adds: "Instead of competing for business, we have joined forces and jointly can offer clients much better exposure and increased service."

Now Media Webcasting has seen increased interest from the corporate market recently and recent successes have included broadcasting the Deputy broadcast the Deputy President, Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka's opening speech live from the annual travel trade show, Indaba, held in Durban in May, which was viewed by just under 2 500 viewers in two weeks - 70% of which were from South Africa, says Helen Squirrell. Furthermore, in August, the company made tourism and conferencing history when it brought all presentations and highlights of the two-day 37th annual Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) Conference and AGM to members who were unable to attend, as a web cast-on-demand product, available 24-hours day.

For further info, visit www.nowmediawebcasting.co.za