South Africa benefits from youth travel

South Africa is set to embrace the youth travel market as the country’s government focuses on boosting tourism income.

South Africa is set to embrace the youth travel market as the country’s government focuses on boosting tourism income.

A total of 11 representatives will be attending the world’s largest travel show, ITB Berlin, in March to help promote the wide holiday options for young travellers taking flights to South Africa.

Deborah Kleynhans, national coordinator of the South African Youth Travel Confederation and project manager for the local ITB delegation, said: “We intend to cement South Africa’s growing reputation as an exciting travel destination for the adventurous and young at heart, as well as those who prefer to combine their international travel with giving back, for instance through volunteering programmes.”

Bernie Meyer, tourism director in the department of trade and industry’s industrial development division, added that it is key for the country’s tourism economy to diversify and encourage more interest from a wider market.

Last year, ITB Berlin welcomed a total of 179,351 visitors from around the world.

Written by Alex Cochrane.