SA Tourism to host virtual speed marketing sessions

South African Tourism is calling on all tourism businesses and service providers to take part in the 2020 Virtual Speed Marketing sessions.

These sessions are an initiative of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) which create a platform for tourism businesses to gain local and international exposure for new and existing tourism products with the aim of building a quality visitor experience.

23 Oct 2020

Anna Shvets via Pexels

Speed Marketing is a market access platform created to provide tourism businesses an opportunity to interact and forge business relationships between products and buyers (tour operators and destination marketing companies) DMCs who are already packaging and selling the destination or have interest in doing so).

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been devastating and the tourism industry was at the forefront of the impact. With the strict restrictions on people’s movements and travel, the sector saw cancellations of many accommodation bookings, conferences and big events on our shores and globally.

Fostering tourism awareness

As part of its efforts to aid in the recovery of the sector, the TGCSA is re-imagining the future of the tourism industry, by contributing to its recovery through these speed marketing sessions. This will be the first time that these sessions are hosted virtually, with a focus on bringing the supply and demand of consumers and products together.

In keeping with this year’s theme for World Tourism Day which is focused on rural development and tourism, the sessions will recognise the important role that tourism plays in the development of rural communities. Through this theme, the TGCSA undertakes to foster tourism awareness in local communities, emphasising the less visited rural areas of each province.

"As the TGCSA, we are committed to contributing to the recovery of the sector from the adverse impact of the coronavirus pandemic. So we are excited to be able to provide a platform for tourism industry products and services to be able to showcase their offerings to the relevant buyers. We trust that this platform will help to foster long-standing business partnerships," says Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, acting chief quality assurance officer.

Upcoming event details are as follows:

Wednesday, 28 October 2020 (Wildlife Safaris)

Wednesday, 04 November 2020 (Cultural Roots)

The sessions will take place via Zoom. For more information or to book a slot, contact Thabo Mpotu via email on az.oc.gnidargmsiruot@pmobaht.