Uniting influential luxury suppliers and travel buyers from around the world, ILTM Africa 2026 presents a carefully curated programme designed to spark valuable business connections within a deeply immersive environment.

“This year, ILTM Africa welcomes international delegates representing 32 countries, reinforcing its role as the leading meeting place for African luxury travel,” says Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director at RX Africa. “We are excited to return to the iconic Norval Foundation, where art, culture and design intersect to create an inspiring backdrop for business-building and igniting long-term partnerships.”

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, James Vos, expresses Cape Town’s pride in hosting ILTM Africa as part of the broader Africa Travel Week programme.

“Events like these showcase the best of our destination, our crafts, cultures, communities and cuisine, the authentic ingredients that make Cape Town such a sought-after place to visit. Tourism is a powerful economic driver for our city, with nearly 7% of our workforce employed in the visitor economy, which is why we continue working to connect Cape Town to more source markets and ensure the benefits of tourism are felt throughout our local economy.”

A sensory journey

De Jager emphasises that African storytelling and experiential travel remain central to the three-day programme, with ILTM Africa 2026 showcasing immersive, sensory-led experiences reflecting the evolving expectations of today’s luxury traveller.

“The overall journey for buyers will be seamless and considered, with an initial welcome and transfer to the venue by Jeep Tours and Cape Sidecar Adventures. Upon arrival, the Isibane se Afrika Choir will deliver a musical welcome, capturing the spirit and warmth of the continent,” she adds.

Cape Island will introduce a bespoke ILTM Africa scent, demonstrating the role of scent marketing in strengthening brand recognition and traveller memory. The fragrance will be presented to attendees and incorporated throughout the venue, reinforcing ILTM Africa’s focus on multi-sensory engagement within a luxury business environment.

Wine tourism also takes focus, reflecting growing global interest in immersive, place-based travel experiences. This theme will be explored through a dedicated wine tourism conversation led by The Wine Tourism Conference (WTC), followed by a curated lunch and private wine cellar experience at one of South Africa’s most established wine estates: Klein Constantia Wine Estate.

Conscious luxury

Sustainability is thoughtfully integrated throughout the ILTM Africa experience, with a standout feature being the interactive tactile ‘poke art’ installation by Painted Wolf Wines. This initiative invites attendees to collectively contribute to African wild dog conservation initiatives, further demonstrating how individual contributions come together to create lasting impact.

The Africa Luxury Network Chamber of Commerce and Industries will present a number of distinctive African luxury offerings, including Wazawazi, a sustainable luxury leather brand reflecting African craftsmanship. Additional African-led innovations on display include unique beverages from Kalahari Truffles, plant-based leather alternatives by Holy Kow, and recycled, handmade buyer gifts by The Wren Design.

As host destination partner, Cape Town Tourism will showcase the city’s luxury appeal, reinforcing the region’s status as a world-class events and tourism hub. Vos notes that he and his team will introduce Cape Town’s new Tourism Framework alongside key elements of the This is Cape Town campaign.

“This campaign, implemented by the City’s Tourism and Place Marketing Branch, positions our city across six continents and in 55 cities through targeted campaigns, airline partnerships and city-to-city collaborations. This work is about expanding the tourism value chain and ensuring the entire ecosystem works well, attracting more visitors, encouraging longer stays and strengthening the economic impact of tourism across our city.”

Digital growth at ILTM Africa 2026

2026 also marks a step forward in digital innovation for ILTM Africa, with the launch of a new event app with enhanced lead-generation functionality, making it easier for delegates to maintain and grow connections beyond the show.

ILTM Africa continues to expand its media engagement, with De Jager confirming plans to launch a new luxury magazine in collaboration with Voyages Afrique, in addition to providing media partners with exclusive opportunities to engage with African products, destinations and stories.

“This year, we’ve amplified our mission of seeking new avenues to grow the industry and connect buyers and suppliers beyond the three days of the show,” she explains.

In the lead-up to the 2026 event, ILTM Africa extends its thanks to key partners helping to bring the show to life, including NVD Property & Project Management, The Diamond Works, Cape Sidecar Adventures, Cape Town Tourism, the City of Cape Town, Klein Constantia Wine Estate, and the Norval Foundation.

Further thanks go to Lift for transporting event speakers and buyers around the country, Paper Aeroplane for exclusively creating the programme guide cover artwork, and Reverie Social Table for hosting an exclusive media event in support of the show. Seamless connectivity throughout ILTM Africa and bolt-on Africa Travel Week shows will be supported by Airalo, enhancing the overall delegate experience.

“With its strongest post-Covid line-up, a renewed focus on wine tourism, and an immersive celebration of African luxury, ILTM Africa 2026 promises to be a defining moment for our industry and how we showcase Africa to the world’s high-end travel community,” she concludes.

For more information, please visit the ILTM Africa 2026 website here.

“We cannot wait to welcome the world’s luxury tourism industry to Cape Town for the 2025 International Luxury Travel Market Africa gathering. And in the Norval Foundation in Tokai, this event will have an incredible venue to showcase Cape Town’s artistic side. Long known for our natural splendour, our food and our wine, Cape Town is also one of the world’s great art cities, and delegates at ILTM are in for a treat at this beautiful contemporary art museum and sculpture garden,” says Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

“The luxury tourism sector is hugely important to Cape Town’s economy and its potential to add sustainable jobs, and it is wonderful that yet another aspect of the Mother City’s allure as a global travel destination will be highlighted through this choice of venue. I look forward to welcoming all the buyers, exhibitors, media to ILTM Africa 2025 in April.”

Highlighting the growing importance of art in luxury travel, Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director, ILTM Africa, adds: “Art is fast becoming the new culinary tourism. Cultural immersion is now a core element of the luxury tourism experience. The Norval Foundation, with its captivating art museum and sculpture garden, provides the perfect setting to explore this exciting trend and ignite new ideas about African luxury travel.”

A niche, boutique event, ILTM Africa 2025 will once again bring together the most discerning buyers and exhibitors in the luxury travel sphere. In addition to the established networking and appointment opportunities, 2025 will introduce ‘In Conversation’, a relaxed space designed to foster thought-provoking discussions and ignite the exchange of innovative ideas.

The Norval Foundation has a unique setting, combining world-class art with the natural beauty of the Cape Town landscape. From its curated exhibitions to the inspiring outdoor sculpture garden, the venue provides numerous opportunities for exploration and discovery while conducting business.

“As an art museum which prides ourselves on amplifying African art & artists, we are very pleased to be able to introduce a new audience of international guests to our museum & art offering, creating an introduction to some of the incredible talents our country and continent have to offer. As we work to celebrate African artists on a global stage & support art education, this partnership serves to support this mission with guests from around the world,” says Caroline Greyling, Museum Director, Norval Foundation

This year, ILTM Africa will also be collaborating with local artisans, providing a unique platform to showcase their talents and connect with key players in the luxury tourism industry. This initiative reinforces the Norval Foundation’s dedication to promoting modern and contemporary art from Africa and the diaspora, further igniting the synergy between luxury travel and African creativity.

-ENDS-

Issued by: Big Ambitions 

Contact: Sonnette Fourie

Tel: +27 81 072 2869 

Email: sonnette@bigambitions.co.za 

ABOUT:

ILTM Africa gives leaders in the African luxury travel market every opportunity to re-connect, build relationships and grow their business. An invitation-only event, the very best travel agents from across the globe meet Africa’s most spectacular luxury travel experience providers.

Next event: 6 to 8 April 2025 – Norval Foundation, Cape Town https://www.iltm.com/africa/en-gb.html

WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2024, WTM Africa facilitated more than 10 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 8% compared to 2023 and welcomed more than 10 thousand visitors (unaudited), 25% more than 2023.

Next event: 9 to 11 April 2025 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town http://africa.wtm.com/

ATW Connect:  Africa Travel Week’s digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel, LGBTQ+ travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.

RX: is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people.  RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com. 

RELX: is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

Cape Town – As demand for luxury African travel experiences rebounds, ILTM Africa returns to Cape Town for its 9th edition. Under the theme ‘Step Inside ILTM Africa’, the event will once again bring the very best of luxury African travel to the world’s most prestigious buyers from April 7-9, 2024. Hosted at the iconic Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in Cape Town, the invitation-only event facilitates exclusive face-to-face meetings and networking opportunities between luxury travel brands from across Africa and the Indian Ocean islands with the industry’s top international travel advisors.

To meet this rising demand, ILTM Africa 2024 provides the ideal platform for exhibitors to showcase their offerings to a highly targeted audience of pre-qualified buyers, ensuring they capture a share of this burgeoning luxury market. Booking platforms report a doubling of trips valued over $3,800 since 2019, particularly for safari adventures, making the appetite for luxury African travel undeniable.

Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director – Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing at RX Africa, says:  “With three-quarters of attendees having final purchasing power, ILTM Africa enables meaningful sales conversations from the moment you arrive. The event format will also offer ILTM Africa’s first-ever TED Talk style presentation of the 2024 Trend Report.”

This year’s edition will feature an impressive collection of luxury hotel partners spanning the continent, including The Last Word Hospitality and Southern Sun. High-end local experiences will also be showcased through partners like Cape Town Tourism, Okavango Gin Company and Cape Cobra with interactive activations on the show floor.

Uniquely celebrating the destination, the Host City of Cape Town will play a starring role. The City of Cape Town’s Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis shares: “We are honoured to welcome the prestigious ILTM Africa back to our world-renowned city. This event aligns perfectly with our focus on driving luxury tourism that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic Cape Town experience.”

From an exquisite picnic in the historic Kirstenbosch Gardens hosted by The Diamond Works to Shimansky’s ‘A Night of Art and Celebration’ at the Norval Foundation art museum, the exclusive agenda offers ample opportunity for buyers and exhibitors to organically connect. Other event sponsors include Spier Resort Management, GOLD Restaurant, Afrikoa Lux Chocolate, Terre Pausible wines, and African Hub. Exhibitors also include Healing Earth, Cape Island, Numuti Drinks and Percy Koji Wines.

The event will also launch the highly anticipated annual Africa Travel Week Trends Report 2024, exploring the biggest shifts impacting luxury African travel like over-tourism, culinary experiences, agritourism and more. This is a report like no other and one not to be missed.

Don’t miss your chance to get in front of the advisors planning the world’s most exclusive African itineraries. A limited number of exhibitor packages are still available – secure your presence at https://www.iltm.com/africa/en-gb.html.

For more details on ILTM Africa 2024, including hosted media participants and evolving event plans, follow #ILTMAfrica or visit the website.

-ENDS-

Issued by: Big Ambitions 

Contact: Sonnette Fourie

Tel: +27 81 072 2869 

Email: sonnette@bigambitions.co.za 

World Travel Market (WTM) Portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are Arabian Travel Market, WTM London, WTM Latin America and WTM Africa.

WTM London is the world’s most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes.

Next in-person event: 5 to 7 November 2024 at ExCel London

http://london.wtm.com/

Arabian Travel Market (ATM), now on its 31^st year, is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2023 welcomed over 40,000 attendees and hosted over 30,000 visitors, including more than 2,100 exhibitors and representatives from over 150 countries, across 10 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai

Next in-person event: 6 to 9 May 2024, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai

https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html

Arabian Travel Week is a festival of events taking place from 6 to 12 May, within and alongside Arabian Travel Market 2024. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes Influencers’ events, GBTA Business Travel Forums, as well as ATM Travel Tech. It also features the ATM Buyer Forums, as well as a series of country forums.

https://www.wtm.com/arabian-travel-week/en-gb.html

WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022.

Next event: 15 to 17 April 2024 – Expo Center Norte, SP, Brazil

http://latinamerica.wtm.com/

WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa.  In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019.

Next event: 10 to 12 April 2024 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town http://africa.wtm.com/

About ATW Connect:  Africa Travel Week’s digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel, LGBTQ+ travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.

WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub. https://hub.wtm.com/

About RX  

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people.  RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com. 

About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

Leading luxury travel buyers, including Virtuoso and Select, will arrive in Cape Town at the end of March for ILTM Africa 2023. Impressively, 88% are new buyers with representation from Brazil, Canada, Finland, Israel, Nigeria, Singapore, Spain the United Arab Emirates and more.

“We are excited about the dramatic increase in new buyers, making up 88% of participants at ILTM this year. The event programme showcases some of the best Cape Town has to offer. To everyone coming to ILTM Africa this year – enjoy one of the great cities of the world, we love welcoming you again,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

Held in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, this year’s ILTM Africa will once again bring high-value one-on-one meeting opportunities with king buyers from around the world. This beautiful natural venue is conducive for exceptional business meetings for the tourism industry. Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is internationally acclaimed as one of the seven most magnificent botanical gardens in the world.

ILTM Africa delegates will be able to enjoy activities such as a picnic lunch in the Kirstenbosch Sculpture Gardens as well as chocolate tasting with Hippolytas chocolates, high tea at the Mount Nelson and a visit to The Vineyard Hotel in Newlands. An exclusive networking event powered by Shimansky and Zeitz MOCAA will also take place at the exclusive Zeitz MOCAA. There will be numerous spoils for delegates including beautiful gift bags supplied by The Joinery and exciting surprises organised by ILTM Africa.

“We’re so excited to be able to put together an amazing itinerary for delegates and media in the Host City of Cape Town. A special thank you as well to MLT Car Hire who will drive our hosted media to a range of attractions to showcase our beautiful region,” says Megan De Jager, RX Africa Portfolio Director: Travel, Tourism & Marketing.

Speakers on luxury travel trends and LGBTQ+ travel will be a key feature of the event. Almost 20% of the confirmed buyers are interested in the LGBTQ+ travel category and interest in Golf Tourism came from buyers in seven countries, including Singapore and Germany.

International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Africa is an exclusive annual event showcasing a curated selection of luxury travel and tourism providers in Africa to buyers from across the world. It is an invitation-only event and provides opportunities for leaders in the industry to network, expand their knowledge, gain insight and discover new business.

“ILTM Africa has gone back its roots. We are focussing on our core mission: to be a niche, boutique, invite only event where luxury tourism players can connect and exchange ideas. Our intimate event has incredible things planned for you alongside quality meetings – we cannot wait to share these with you!” concludes De Jager.

ILTM Africa will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from 31 March to 02 April.

Travel Reimagined

PART TWO

After more than two years of pandemic-induced travel bans and chaos, and emerging trends are revealing fascinating insights into the post-Covid traveller. This is a very different breed of traveller with different motivations and values. Tapping into what makes them tick is key to maximising on the current leisure travel boom.

Desiring the freedom of travel more than ever before, ‘revenge travel’ is huge – people taking advantage of open skies and open countries after many requirements and restrictions have been dropped.

Travellers are, however, facing rising costs due to the war in Europe and the resultant impact on fuel. Many are downscaling where they can, from expensive hotels to more affordable ones, limiting excursions and working within tighter budgets, but they are not curtailing their holidays. Meanwhile this has made local travel highly attractive.

The luxury segment

In the luxury travel and premium air travel segment a different trend can be observed. According to the latest Flywire survey, 72% of luxury travellers will be spending more on holidays in 2022 than they spent pre-pandemic.

“We must remember not every sector suffered during Covid,” explains Thompsons Holidays CEO Joanne Adolphe. “The banks, the IT sector made a lot of money and people working in those sectors now have disposable income. Many other people also managed to save money during Covid and are eager to spend it. The pent-up demand is fuelling a desire for people to spoil themselves and start ticking off their bucket lists.”

This is especially true for people in countries that imposed harsh lockdowns, like Australia. Then there’s the SKI generation trend – the ‘Spend Kids’ Inheritance’ generation. These older individuals are travelling up a storm and working through their bucket lists, often with extended families in tow.

Experiential and sustainability stays

Many travellers are specifically looking for experiences because “it’s no longer just a flop and stay holiday,” Adolphe points out. “People want to be immersed in culture or have a foodie experience. They also want to have opportunities to go out and explore. All these things have to be taken into consideration when you’re planning a client’s leisure holiday.”

Post-Covid, eco-friendly tourism is also coming through strongly. People want to know how green
a property is, what their carbon footprint will be, and whether they’re going to be benefiting the local communities.

“We’ve noticed that the age group of about 26 to 40 is very eco-conscious,” says Adolphe. “We often get the question: is it a plastic-free property? Especially when people are going to the islands.

“They’re very conscious of the environment and the impact that their choices will have. I think it’s a wonderful trend. Climate change has taken a backseat because of Covid and the war in Europe but it’s something we really have to address.”

Says Otto de Vries, CEO ASATA: “When it comes to confirming travel, sustainability efforts and initiatives are often a huge deciding factor for many customers.

“Instead of simply going on holiday, today’s leisure travellers want to learn and grow whilst giving back to the people and places they encounter during their travels. It is important for agents to develop an understanding for and deliver on the sustainability drivers of leisure travel.”

De Vries says there has definitely been a jump towards experiential travel, which often lends itself to experiences that aid personal growth and mental wellbeing.

“It is important for agents to develop an understanding for and deliver on the sustainability drivers of leisure travel.”

‘New look’ domestic travel
Local is also lekker when it comes to travel. With South Africa and the continent having so much to offer in terms of destinations, experiences and from a cost perspective, South Africans are realising they don’t have to travel abroad to have enriching holidays. Exploring their backyards is becoming more attractive.

“It’s sexy to sell Africa to South Africans!” Adolphe says. “There are those South Africans who always went to Plett, always went to the South Coast, or to Mauritius. But now they’re becoming more adventurous here in this country and more adventurous where they’re travelling the world.”

This presents an opportunity for the travel industry to grow and for domestic travel to grow by putting forward suggested destinations to clients, not merely sending them the information they requested. How long this adventurous attitude will last is difficult to determine, making it something on which to capitalise now.

Ending on a high note

The only way is clearly up for the leisure travel industry, with a big reconnect taking place, pent-up demand being unleashed and the desire of travellers to spoil themselves, coupled with the fact that many of them have more money to do so.

Leisure travel the world over is reaching pre-Covid levels and despite rising costs, there haven’t been mass cancellations. This is encouraging and presents travel agents the opportunity to recommend more affordable options should their clients be sitting on the fence.

“If we stay in this industry the next couple years, I truly believe we’re all going to reap the rewards of what we lost to Covid,” concludes Matthew Fubbs, The Holiday Factory Sales Director.

***ENDS***

WORD COUNT: 744

To request an interview with ASATA CEO, Otto de Vries, please contact Claire Lathe on 084 245 2189 or email claire@bigambitions.co.za.

For more information about ASATA, please visit www.asata.co.za.

About ASATA

Established in 1956, the Association of Southern African Travel Agents is a representative forum registered as an Association of Persons, that promotes professional service in the travel industry for both members and their clients. Representing over 95% of the travel industry in terms of market share, ASATA’s membership is voluntary and includes South African retail travel agents, travel management companies, wholesalers and suppliers of travel-related products and services.

Issued by Big Ambitions:

Natalia Rosa

natalia@bigambitions.co.za

083 449 4334

18 October 2022

In 2001 Elon Musk began his plans to colonize Mars, Charlize Theron starred in Sweet November, and another South African star, GILTEDGE, was born.

Cape Town, South Africa, 16 September 2022: GILTEDGE, an award-winning travel company specializing in safari holidays in Southern Africa, East Africa & the Indian Ocean islands, has launched a new, bespoke 21-day luxury itinerary to mark the company’s 21^st birthday.

The itinerary combines exploring Southern Africa’s Mother City of Cape Town, bushveld breaks, and the warm, aquamarine waters off Mozambique, ensuring it will be a trip to remember. This is an opportunity to experience all that the region has to offer!

GILTEDGE Group Chief Executive Officer Murray Gardiner comments:

“We’ve survived one of the hardest periods in travel history at GILTEDGE. The entire South African tourism industry was devastated throughout Covid-19. After two years of difficulty, it has taken a lot of energy, positivity, and grit for our partners and us to be where we are today. We feel we would really like to celebrate that!”

The 21-day Southern Africa Celebration itinerary kicks off in the Mother City, Cape Town, where guests will spend four days enjoying world-class wine, delicious food, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable hospitality at Ellerman House.

The next stop is a farm stay at the design destination Babylonstoren, inspired by the historic Company’s Garden in Cape Town, and where guests are encouraged to pick, taste, smell and touch while walking through the award-winning garden.

After Cape Town, travellers will visit bucket-list Botswana and the incredible Moremi Game Reserve. This protected reserve in the Okavango Delta is teeming with wildlife and offers breathtaking views of its waterways. Afterwards, a pamper session in the wilderness spa of Xigera Safari Lodge is on the agenda to relax and unwind.

The next stop on this African safari is the Chobe River where travellers will spend three nights on the romantic houseboat Zambezi Queen. Riverine game viewing and bird watching in this unique setting will surprise and delight. This is followed by a stay at Zimbabwe’s Matetsi Victoria Falls on a 15km private stretch of the mighty Zambezi River and only 40km from the wonderous Victoria Falls. This stop is for adventure lovers, with tiger fishing to canoeing amongst hippos offered.

After an incredible journey through some of Southern Africa’s most stunning landscapes, the GILTEDGE birthday itinerary takes travellers back to South Africa for three nights at the Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where Big 5 encounters are almost guaranteed.

The incredible GILTEDGE itinerary concludes at the Kisawa Sanctuary on beautiful Benguerra Island in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago. In a protected marine park, kayaking, SUP boarding, and dhow riding are daily activities offered in the pristine waters.

Now that GILTEDGE has come of age, what are the plans for the next 21 years? “We are more determined than ever to be the best global travel company. We’ve renewed our dedication to enriching our guests’ lives through innovative and sustainable travel experiences. Here’s to another 21 years,” says Executive Chairman Sean Kritzinger.

The full itinerary is available here: https://giltedge.travel/tour/21-day-african-adventure-with-giltedge/

Contact GILTEDGE

International tollfree telephone:

USA: 1 877 511 6860, UK: 0800 680 0423, AUS: 1 800 737 403

South Africa telephone: +27217130296

Email: info@gilt-edge.com

-ENDS-

For more information about Giltedge, or to interview Sean and Murray, please email claire@bigambitions.co.za or info@gilt-edge.com

About Giltedge

Giltedge is an award-winning travel group based in South Africa with a mission to enrich lives through innovative and sustainable travel experiences, from tailor-made safaris to Southern and East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, to FITs and group travel, outbound corporate and leisure travel, incentive travel and golf travel. Launched in 2001, Giltedge is owned by directors Sean Kritzinger and Murray Gardiner, and Accor, the biggest hotel group in the world.

MORE Family Collection launches luxury Residences portfolio

• New Residences portfolio expands the MORE Family Collection
• Four exclusive-use residences offer guests the option to stay – their way

JOHANNESBURG, 09 MAY 2022 – In line with global accommodation trends, MORE Family Collection has expanded their luxury group of award-winning hotels and lodges to include their Residences portfolio. These private homes, villas and lodges, in sought-after South African destinations, offer guests the opportunity to book their own private accommodation, where couples, families or friends can stay together for the duration of their holiday.

“The accommodation landscape has changed considerably since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out,” says MORE Family Collection CEO Robert More. “Globally, guests have been seeking out ‘exclusive-use properties’ that they can ‘own’ for the duration of their stay. For our Residences portfolio, we’ve handpicked four properties for this exact purpose, and for their location and the unique experiences they offer.”

MORE Residences are so much more than a place to stay; these are real homes where guests can enjoy comfort and privacy, immerse themselves in the environment and make memories together – their way.

The Residences
In the heart of the Cape Winelands, the Oldenburg Residence is a 200-year-old, original Cape Dutch homestead, set in the Oldenburg Vineyards. With majestic mountains as a backdrop and rolling lawns and vineyards to look onto, this Grande Dame has been lovingly restored to her former glory and her expansive interior modernised.

Still in the Cape, but in the heart of the Mother City, More Quarters Residence is a heritage house situated in the upmarket suburb of Gardens. This Georgian beauty has views of Table Mountain and offers the luxury of a boutique hotel combined with the privacy of a residence. Tucked away in a quiet corner but within walking distance of bustling
Kloof Street, More Quarters is the perfect base from which to explore the culture, shopping, entertainment and fine dining Cape Town has to offer.

For guests looking for a five-star safari experience there are two options. Fish Eagle Residence is set in the Sabi Sands Private Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park. This is an unforgettable Out of Africa experience where guests can view game, including the Big Five, from their private deck, overlooking the Sabie River.

Also near the Sabie River is the Hinkwenu Residence, a secluded hideaway with its own safari vehicle and dedicated field guide. Big Five sightings abound here. Hinkwenu is luxurious yet laid-back, its spacious interiors making it ideal for families.

Whatever their choice of residence, guests will always recognise the MORE Family Collection hallmarks of life-enriching experiences, personalised, attentive service and authenticity.

For more information about MORE Family Collection, click here or visit our website https://www.more.co.za/. Images can be sourced here.

Ends

About MORE Family Collection

MORE Family Collection is a diversified private business, specialising in the Southern African tourism industry. Our reach within the industry spans the hospitality sector (MORE Lodges, Hotels & Residences); the travel service sector (MORE Family Concierge); and the training/human development sector (MORE Campus & NJ MORE Field Guide College).

Our non-profit arms through which we deliver our corporate social and environmental responsibilities are More Community Foundation (operating within communities surrounding our properties and Support Office in South Africa and Zimbabwe), and Nakavango Conservation Programme (based at Stanley & Livingstone in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe).

Win a three-night stay with Mantis photo competition

CAPE TOWN, 09 MAY 2022 – Avid photographers, assemble! Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis is encouraging previous guests who have enjoyed a stay at a Zambezi Queen Collection property to enter their nature photography competition.

A three nights’ stay for two people is up for grabs at select properties within the boutique hospitality group’s global portfolio, consisting of luxury hotels, eco-lodges, and waterways, including the Zambezi Queen, a luxury boutique houseboat that cruises the Chobe River.

“Mantis offers a unique selection of hand-picked, luxury travel experiences giving guests access to rare encounters and destinations,” says Kate Powell, General Manager: Marketing, Sales and Reservations at the Zambezi Queen Collection.

“Our collection of houseboats in the Zambezi Queen Collection, both the luxurious Zambezi Queen and the smaller Chobe Princesses, offer guests the most unique way to discover the Chobe River – a completely hassle-free, water-based safari. We also have Ichingo Chobe River Lodge in our portfolio, nestled on secluded Impalila Island, that offers the same all inclusive river safari experience and is a favourite with families and small groups.”

“Through the launch of our competition, we’re hoping to encourage our past Zambezi Queen Collection guests to relive their special memories, current guests and budding photographers to hone their craft while inspiring our future guests to connect with nature by enjoying a river safari with us.”

Entrants can submit multiple photos from any of their stays with the Zambezi Queen Collection. Photo submissions will be accepted between 1 April and 30 September 2022. A finalist will be announced each month up until 30 September 2022 and the grand prize winner will be announced in October 2022.

Renowned photographer, Andrew Morgan of Andrew Morgan Photography, and Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis staff will be the competition judges.

How to enter:

• Follow @zambeziqueencollection and @mantiscollection on Instagram
• Post your favourite photos or videos from your stay with the Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis
• Use the hashtag #travelwithZQC and tag both @zambeziqueencollection and @mantiscollection

“Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your creative eye,” says Powell. It could just land you a holiday of a lifetime at one of your dream destinations. We look forward to seeing your work, and welcoming you back!”

Terms and conditions apply. Visit here for more info.

Taaibosch Wine Estate now offers luxury accommodation

in the Cape Winelands.

STELLENBOSCH, 11 MARCH 2022 – Taaibosch Wine Estate, the latest acquisition by Oddo Vins and Domaines, has launched three luxury accommodation offerings: two contemporary villas and the newly-renovated Manor House, originally built in 1838.

Taaibosch guests can choose to spend their days relaxing, absorbing the sights and sounds of a working vineyard, or tackling the kilometres of cycling and hiking trails that border the estate on the slopes of the Helderberg. This is also the perfect base for a holiday in the Cape.

The two-bedroom all en-suite Garden Villa is set within the working estate against the backdrop of lush fynbos and landscaped gardens, while the four-bedroom all en-suite Farsight Villa higher up on the slopes of the Helderberg has views that stretch across the Cape Peninsula. The Taaibosch Villas are beautifully designed to allow their luxury interiors to blend harmoniously with the natural beauty outside. Both also offer private pools, fully equipped kitchens for self-catering and a full butler service.

A private chef is available on request, who can either provide a fine-dining chef’s table, or assemble a traditional South African braai. A more informal restaurant is available at the neighbouring co-owned Pink Valley estate, which is known for its rosé vintage.

The 5-bedroomed all en-suite Manor House shaded by hundred-year-old oaks has been newly renovated, retaining historic charm with all the modern comforts of home – perfect for families or small groups who want to experience the area’s rich wine-making heritage.

The gardens at Taaibosch were extensively rehabilitated to contain only indigenous flora, in keeping with the family philosophy of environmental preservation both in their winemaking and in their estate management.

Family, warmth and quality are the hallmarks of the Taaibosch brand, says Managing Director Schalk Joubert who believes that luxury lies in small heartfelt touches. “We have always felt that we have something special here and have spared no expense in ensuring that each of our accommodations has all the best fittings and furnishings.

“The Taaibosch experience is quiet, it is friendly, it is exclusive, and it is small. For a while there has been room to expand, but we have to be careful how we do it, so that we do not lose the special quality that we have. So, it is gratifying that we can add some further services to our brand, but still keep the quality and exclusively intact.”

The accommodation offering is managed by Valor Hospitality Partners, a global hospitality management group with more than 80 products worldwide.

Guests can be as relaxed or active as they wish when using Taaibosch as their private Winelands escape. The area has long been a favoured destination, with several other award-winning wine estates within close proximity and Taaibosch’s sister estate, Pink Valley Wines, just a few minutes’ drive away.

Guests staying at Taaibosch will also have access to the estate’s by-invitation-only wine tasting experience with the winemaker – an opportunity usually only afforded to the limited set of Taaibosch Wine Club Members. This is an exclusive opportunity to enjoy the famed red Bordeaux blend, Crescendo.

The Oddo family’s philosophy is structured around a simple principle: selecting the best terroir and partners, relying on local expertise in each of their estates. “We put environmental preservation at the heart of our production with the ambition that all our vineyards will be organic within three years” says Lorraine Oddo

Taaibosch’s new luxurious accommodation offers are ideal for small groups of friends, business colleagues and even multi-generational families. Whether staying for a special occasion, a casual gathering or simply just to relax or to use as a base for your holiday in the Cape Peninsula.

“Our philosophy is about taking care of our surroundings, paying attention to tranquility and reflection, and creating contentment and wellbeing. That is the kind of luxury guests will find at Taaibosch,” Joubert concludes.

Reservations are already open. For more information, visit www.taaiboschwines.com or contact stay@taaiboschwines.com or +27 (0)21 855 3744.

To request an interview or for media enquires, please contact Roland Müller on +27 83 357 7098 or Roland@bigambitions.co.za

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About Taaibosch

Home to the award-winning Bordeaux blend, The Crescendo, Taaibosch is an award-winning wine estate located on the slopes of the Helderberg in Stellenbosch. Employing organic principles to both their viticultural and oenological practices, Taaibosch is dedicated to balancing their natural environment and agriculture, ensuring the indigenous integrity of the area and crafting wines with remarkable character – a true reflection of their origins. Taaibosch and its sister estate, Pink Valley, are owned by the Oddo family of France.

About Valor Hospitality Partners

Valor Hospitality Partners is a full-service hotel underwriting, acquisition, development, management, and asset management company. With 80+ hotels its international portfolio, Valor Hospitality offers an array of services, including site selection, product and brand selection, entitlements, financing solutions, conceptual design, construction and project management, procurement, technical services, pre-opening, and operations management. Valor also provides consulting services on a wide range of project scenarios, including working with new or existing ownership groups on reviewing site selection, assessing feasibility studies and project budgets, compiling project budgets, and underwriting. For more information, visit valorhospitality.com or connect with Valor on Facebook and LinkedIn.