Travel agents attending ASTA's International Destination Expo (IDE) (Sun City, South Africa, March 8-11) will find a variety of product seminars to deepen their knowledge of South Africa.
"Agents attending IDE will benefit from the depth and breadth of seminars offered to them while in Sun City," said Chris Russo, ASTA president and Chair. "Having an agent who speaks knowledgeably and from experience confirms for them that their vacation will be one that reflects their interests and personality."
Among the offerings are:
• InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. Courtesy of InterContinental Sandton Towers. Presented by Nthabiseng Moeletsi. Attendees of this seminar will learn about this international hotel brand that is located in more than 60 countries and about the company's philosophy that while superior, understated service and outstanding facilities are important, that the interest they show in their guests is what sets them apart.
• South African National Parks: Your Natural Heritage. Courtesy of South African National Parks. Presented by Mantlako Sebaka. South African National Parks (SANParks) manages a system of national parks, which represent the biodiversity and associated cultural heritage of the country. Of the 22 national parks, 15 have overnight tourist facilities, with an unrivalled variety of accommodation in arid, coastal, mountain and bushveld habitats. Travel agents can learn how South Africa's national parks offer visitors an unparalleled diversity of adventure tourism opportunities including game viewing, bush walks, canoeing and exposure to cultural and historical experiences.
• Selling Destination Africa. Courtesy of Africa Travel Association. Travel agents who attend this seminar will benefit from the knowledge presented by a panel of experts, who will discuss the current trends and strategies in travel to Africa. This seminar brings good news on tourism to this booming destination, providing the valuable facts on how Africa offers something for everyone. The seminar addresses key issues such as tourism growth markets, seasonal trends, responsible tourism, transportation and more.
• Fancourt-Garden Route-South Africa. Courtesy of Fancourt. Presented by Lizle de Wet and Belinda Lamb. Travel agents will learn about the 150-room, five-star resorts set the heart of South Africa's Garden Route, with four Gary Player-designed golf courses and the only TaylorMade Performance Lab in Africa. This premier business and leisure destination also has children's activities, conference center, apa, and six themed restaurants.
Distinguished Traveler and Turkey, host of the 2010 International Destination Expo, will also hold seminars. Turkey's session will introduce travel agents to the country's many cultural and natural wonders. This course will highlight the country's rich history and key tourist attractions. Don't miss this opportunity to learn for yourself what drew more than 25 million foreign visitors to Turkey in 2008.
The registration fee is $285 for ASTA members and $335 for non-member travel agents.
Delta Airlines is offering a special travel agent airfare to Johannesburg, South Africa, starting as low as $599 roundtrip from New York and Washington, D.C., and $750 roundtrip from Atlanta for the Expo. All Delta reservations are handled by the Promotions Desks at 800-325-1447. Refer to promotion code G*857 and the promotion name ASTA Travel Agent Expo – LNDP.
To learn more about the International Destination Expo or to register, visit ASTA.org/events.