For the first time, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) will host their annual International Destination Expo (IDE) on the African continent. ASTA is the world’s largest association of travel professionals. Members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.
From March 8 – 11 Sun City will play host to a dazzling program of educational seminars, a networking trade show and festivities aimed at ensuring that visiting American agents become specialists in selling South Africa. Moreover, over 100 South African suppliers will showcase an array of product at the IDE trade show taking place on 9 and 10 March 2009.
Under the theme „Strike Gold in South Africa!“ the 2009 IDE is the only US industry event dedicated to destination training which empowers agents with the resources to sell South Africa as a lucrative destination.
„The fact that South Africa was chosen as the 2009 IDE host is a tremendous endorsement from ASTA. It speaks to the credibility of the destination, and confirms our position as a serious player in the US market,“ stated Sthu Zungu, President, South African Tourism, North America.
„This is an opportunity to showcase South Africa to an important audience of agents responsible for the bulk of our arrivals from the United States while helping them grow their business to the destination.“
Thanks to favorable exchange rates, South Africa currently offers American travelers unbeatable value for money. Agents attending the IDE will see the destination first hand and personally experience its affordable luxury proposition, making it that much easier for them to recommend and sell South Africa to their clients.
South African Airways, as the official airline partner for the IDE, has made travel to South Africa extremely affordable by providing exclusive roundtrip fares especially for this event.
The provincial tourism authorities are adding their weight to this year’s IDE by providing a wide range of very affordable pre-and post tours to each of the nine provinces, showcasing the best of South Africa.
Media are invited to attend with travel costs and accommodation provided to select media upon inquiry.
