South African Tourism today announced details of its second annual fam trip, taking 100 agents on a memorable journey to South Africa in May and June 2008. Committed to providing agents with annual fam trips and building on the success of the first one of its kind in 2007, this second trip demonstrates the increasing investment made by South African Tourism in the UK trade.

 Focussed on further increasing UK visitor arrival numbers to South Africa and growing the UK market, South African Tourism is providing agents with valuable first-hand experiences of the country and all it has to offer as a destination.

 The number of visitors arriving in South Africa from the UK continues to rise, showing that the continued investment in the trade is having the desired effect. Figures for January to December 2007 show a healthy increase of 2 per cent with a total of 497,678 visitors arriving from the UK, compared with 488,032 for the same period in 2006.

 Matthew Armstrong, Trade Relations Manager for South African Tourism in the UK said: “We are extremely excited about this trip which will cover even more of South Africa’s wonderful offering than ever before. This trip will further support our continued effort to help operators sell South Africa as a destination of choice, because we believe there is no better way to sell this wonderful country than to experience it yourself.”

 Agents targeted for this trip include a combination of product managers and front line agents from both large agents and independents across the UK.

 Split into six groups, the agents will travel to the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, NorthWest Province and Gauteng. During their journeys, the 100 lucky operators will even have the opportunity to interact with South African chefs and take part in preparing different feasts which reflect the diversity of South Africa’s geography, culture, heritage and amazing zest for life. These will range from a traditional braai and a picnic on safari to a cosmopolitan dining experience at a top class restaurant.

 To apply for a place on this once in a lifetime trip, visit www.southafrica.net/big5fam and follow the registration process for South African Tourism’s Fundi programme. Once registered, operators are required to complete two Fundi modules to qualify for the competition draw.

 The closing date for all entries is 11th April 2008 and the winners will be informed on 18th April 2008.