The Shamwari Group and Inspirational Places have hosted an exclusive mini-indaba in Johannesburg, bringing key tourism partners together to boost trade in the region.

In conjunction with Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa, the organisations offered a platform for owners of boutique hotels and lodges to present their unique establishments to a select group of travel trade and media looking for new and exciting establishments within South Africa and abroad.

“Supply currently exceeds demand and as the market gets more saturated, luxury hotels will increasingly be differentiated by the emotional appeal of their brand, therefore, now more than ever, it is essential to analyze and react to tourism trends and aggressively promote our destination locally and internationally as a value-for-money experience, given tourism’s significant contribution to our country’s economy and sustainable job creation,” said Tom Jager, marketing director of the Shamwari Group.

“We need to continually send out consistent messaging to the tour operators and this is what we are hoping to achieve by holding this significant event.”

All properties that form part of these collections are meticulously selected on the basis of location, service excellence, design, style, quality of amenities and experience, to live up to their collective world class standards.

All establishments on show are ideally located and combined; create the perfect itinerary, presenting travel trade and media with a unique and varied selection.

“Now that the World Cup has come and gone, it is even more critical to band together to sustain and grow our tourism industry, with a strong focus on our relationships with key industry players and tourism associations,” added Alison Macfarlane, director of Inspirational Places.

“By hosting this Mini Indaba we will connect with Cape Town Tourism, members of the media and travel trade, whilst showcasing the unique destinations we represent within South Africa.”

The Shamwari Group, where one has the opportunity to explore natural wildlife encounters and unforgettable eco experiences, consists of five exclusive award winning eco experiences and game reserves in and around Africa, including renowned Shamwari Game Reserve, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Jock Safari Lodge and unique Nyungwe Forest Lodge in Rwanda.

Shamwari Game Reserve has been acknowledged by the World Travel Awards as Africa’s Leading Conservation Company.