Each were led by an ANZ wholesaler, and culminating in a two-day training event at the Sun City resort in the Pilanesberg game reserve.
The escape was an immersive educational adventure designed to showcase South Africa’s commitment to sustainability and conservation, community engagement, and cultural diversity; to promote geographic spread; and support inclusive economic participation of SMMEs – small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). The groups explored beyond the main tourism attractions to discover hidden gems, delivering market access to a total of 35 SMMEs.
Each group was able to get involved in community and conservation-based initiatives such as a jewellery-making workshop with an artisan in the vibrant township of Wolmer to support vocational training initiatives; a Zulu village visit to learn about and participate in traditional customs and heritage and more.
The training event at Sun City provided a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between the Australasian delegates and South African trade partners. The two-day event included one-to-one meetings between wholesalers and operators as well as evening functions. On the day of departure participants had lunch hosted by Rovos Rail.
All of the travel agents involved were first time visitors to South Africa.
New Zealand delivered over 20,000 visitors in 2024, 25% ahead of pre-Covid numbers.