Edu-taining the local travel trade

“We are still riding the wave of excitement of the many activities aimed at consumers for Tourism Month,” said Sindile Xulu – country manager, Domestic at SA Tourism. “To bolster this consumer campaign we have extended it into the trade space in the form of an online competition.”

Targeting approximately 1500 leisure consultants, this online interaction is aimed at educating the trade on product offerings of South Africa's lesser visited provinces – Limpopo, Northern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga and the North West.

The content consists of a provincial introduction with new and exciting attractions. Trade partners are challenged to complete an online quiz on the relevant province featured during the week. The online competition is structured to educate the trade using elements such as “did you know” facts, an interactive walkthrough and weekly quiz tests. In order to participate, trade need to log on to www.southafrica.net/satrade.

All entrants stand a chance of winning a weekly Sho't Left break for two, sponsored by Thompson Tours and Holiday Tours. By entering all five online quizzes, members of the trade stand the chance of winning the grand prize of a two-night stay for two people at the five-star Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park – sponsored by Thompsons Tours and valued at R15 000.

In addition to the online competition, participants are encouraged to register on the Trade Extranet, a newly developed online resource to help the travel industry sell SA more effectively, which also gives access to the local version of SA Tourism's online destination specialist course, FUNDI. By registering on the Trade Extranet, members of trade stand a chance of winning a two-night stay at Mabula Game Lodge outside Johannesburg. This includes two game drives and meals, all courtesy of Three Cities Group.