SAT Recreates South Africa In Goa With `InCountry Famil' 2005

Conducts Extensive Interactive Sessions With The Indian Travel Trade

Shweta Vaswani - Goa

In an effort to boost tourist numbers out of India, South African Tourism (SAT) organised the `Incountry Famil' 2005 from August 31 to September 02, 2005 at the Leela, Goa. Five out of the nine South African provinces registered a presence at the event. The objective of this event was to educate the Indian trade with about new destinations within South Africa. The event recreated South Africa in Goa, where the participants got a taste of South Africa on Indian soil. Speaking about the event, Natal Miller Matola (CEO) of Tourism Kwazulu, one of the participants at the Famil said, "It has been a well conducted event and it’s great to notice such passion and enthusiasm amongst the Indian travel trade."

Adding further, Johan Groenwald, managing director, Royal African Discoveries said, "The theme of having a forum such as the "InCountry Famil", that too outside South Africa, was a very good idea, as we received undivided attention from Indian delegates and got the opportunity to spend quality time with them." From the perspective of the Indian travel trade, people tried to identify relevant trade partners, to further their business potential within the region.

At the event two new products were introduced, namely, the self-drive concept and the second one was a flight from Cape Town to George, which costs $ 50-70. The general opinion amongst the African counterparts was that they intended to understand the needs of the Indian traveller through the eyes of the Indian travel trade, so that they are able to provide value for money and diverse offers.

To improve the event further, one of the South African delegates made it a point to reveal that it would be more productive if they could have fixed meeting schedules with the Indian trade. Specific timings would ensure that most delegates get the opportunity to showcase their products more effectively.