The Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) returns to the Netherlands to participate in the 2020 Vakantiebeurs trade fair after over nine (9) years of absence. The tourism and leisure trade fair is currently ongoing in Utrecht from 15 to 19 January 2020.
During the past fifty (50) years, the Vakantiebeurs has proven its value. Every year, more than a hundred thousand (100 000) travel enthusiasts come to Utrecht, looking for new travel destinations and inspiration. Every meeting is an added value to a company’s database and boosts the brand, the destination and the travel product.
LTA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Sonto Ndlovu, said: “In terms of our marketing strategy the Netherlands is one of our core source markets, given its performance year-on-year. It remains a growing market in international arrivals and spend which has a lot of interest in adventure experiences. The Dutch visitors have a huge interest for Mapungubwe National Park, Louis Trichardt and the Soutpanesberg, Kruger National Park, authentic culture and other outdoor adventure activities like the Makgobaskloof Canopy Ziplining. They generally stay longer in South Africa, given our historical ties, which is an added advantage for us.”
“We see value in the Benelux (Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg) market that has constantly made enquiries, paid visits as well as provide constant feedback on our tourism inventory. We are going to reintroduce ourselves and latest products we have on offer, especially our growing interest and practice in homestays,” remarked Ndlovu.
The Netherlands market is one of the core international markets for Limpopo Province and significant growth has been realized from this market over the years, that is, from 105 000 in 2015 to 132 000 in 2016 and 185 000 in 2017.
In addition to the Chief Marketing Officer of the agency, Mr Ndavhe Ramakuela, LTA are taking with two products, Traditional Homestays of South Africa (THASA), Kylie Henn and African Ivory Route (Trans Frontier Park Destinations), Eleanor Muller as part of their SMME marketing support programme. The homestays are proving to be a popular product among Dutch visitors who frequent the province and the African Ivory Route continues to cement its niche in the market because of its stretch and ability to keep visitors for a longer period.
“LTA’s participation is part of maintaining our presence in the market so that with time our market share, increase visitor spend, reduce seasonality thus promote all year-round leisure travel,” concluded Ndlovu.
