For the first time ever Overstrand will be “manning” its very own stall at the annual Travel Indaba in Durban, and has designated a full contingent of senior officials to spread the word that Overstrand truly deserves all the accolades it has earned as a destination of choice.
Another first is that Dr Annelie Rabie, in her capacity as Executive Mayor and Chair of the Tourism Portfolio, will accompany Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill, Overstrand Tourism Manager Frieda Lloyd and Gansbaai Tourism’s Glenda Kitley this time around.
By no means a newcomer to the tourism industry, Rabie said she is most excited about returning to Durban and picking up some innovative ideas that would benefit Overstrand’s offerings, and pitching the area as a destination of choice.
Quite fittingly, the theme this year is “Shaping Africa’s tomorrow, through connection today”, since this iconic three-day African leisure show is all about forging new travel and tourism relationships and strengthening existing networks to increase regional visitor numbers.
In the past the Overstrand exhibition formed part of the Western Cape pavilion. This year, though, the municipality has secured an individual stand in close proximity to the pavilion with the intention of setting the Overstrand apart and to build on its being ranked 18th in the World Tourism Sentiment Index earlier this year.
“If we can bring the world to the Overstrand it will most definitely have a positive impact on our local economy and communities,” Rabie declared.
