Western Cape intensifies exploration of travel markets

Alan Winde, Western Cape minister of finance, economic development and tourism will lead the delegation which will include Calvyn Gilfellan, CEO of Cape Town Routes Unlimited and Labeeqah Schuurman of the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

ITB Asia takes place in Singapore from 19-21 October and is a unique international platform that unites the travel and tourism industry to exchange valuable insights and, more importantly, explore valuable business leads. Last year it attracted nearly 7 000 attendees and 720 exhibitors from more than 60 countries.

Tourists must stay longer

Winde will be hosting a special Cape Town and Western Cape Tourism Trade breakfast, which will be attended by the South African High Commissioner in Singapore Dr Simeon Selby Ripinga as well as the travel trade and international media on 20 October.

"We will highlight regional tourism offerings including unique experiences that the travel trade can include in their travel packages and itineraries. The intention is to ensure that the length of the travel package for the destination is extended beyond the three day/four night stay currently being sold by the majority of the global travel trade," Winde says.

Gilfellan and his team, who has arranged a series of meetings with influential tour operators from China, India and the rest of Asia, has the following to say: "We have been active in this market for the past six years and have witnessed a significant increase in almost every country in this region. This week's visit to Singapore will consolidate our marketing initiatives and focus on getting new tourism business to Cape Town and the Western Cape."