Sth Africa rallies expats

SOUTH African Tourism (SAT) has enlisted the support of the 180,000-strong South African expat community in Australia as it works to develop tourism from this market.

As part of its campaign Come Home Bru (brother) targetting South Africans living abroad, the SAT has identified Australia as a high-potential market and has begun asking expats to take on roles as tourism ambassadors.

More than 350 recruits joined a braai (barbecue) held in Sydney on Sun, attracted via a competition and social media campaign based on a recent viral video involving Durban comedian Robby Collins.

Another 800, including members of the travel trade, are expected to take part in a similar launch in Perth this weekend.

In Australia for the events, South African Tourism chief operating officer Sthembiso Dlamini told TD expats would be equipped with tourism news, product developments and package details to share among their networks.

“We want to educate the expat community so they can sell their country and share with their Aussie mates what the destination has to offer,” she said.

“It’s a no-brainer to get them on board as our partners to help sell the destination.”

The number of Australians travelling to South Africa grew 10% in 2016 to reach 111,000, and Dlamini said SAT was on track to reach its target of 120,000 Australians by the end of 2017.

While Australia sat behind South Africa’s biggest markets in the US, UK, Germany and Netherlands, it had been identified as a high- potential source of future tourism and would be given greater marketing priority, Dlamini said.

MEANWHILE, South African Airways has launched Business class fares for travellers aged 65 and over.

Return fares are available from $3,885 from east coast points, on sale until the end of Nov and valid for travel until further notice.

Travellers need to depart and return on Mon, Tue or Wed flights.