Africa's Eden Communications

03/12/2024

We’re excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership between Africa's Eden Tourism Association, JLL’s Global Tourism and Destination Advisory practice, and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to conduct the Tourism Readiness Index!

This collaborative initiative will evaluate the tourism potential of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, focusing on investment opportunities, sustainable growth, and long-term resilience.

With over 70 key data points assessed—ranging from infrastructure to environmental sustainability—the Index will serve as a critical tool for both public and private sectors, paving the way for a stronger and more competitive tourism industry in the region.

“Tourism is one of the most vital economic drivers for our member countries. By partnering with JLL and WTTC, we’re bringing international expertise to empower local tourism and attract global investments,” says Jillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa's Eden.

https://africaseden.travel/news/africas-eden-commissions-jll-wttcs-tourism-readiness-index-to-drive-investment-and-sustainable-growth-across-southern-africa/

26/11/2024

What an unforgettable closing function for the Africa's Eden Travel Show - Global Edition in Swakopmund! How are we ever going to top this? (Challenge accepted!)

A HUGE thank you to Abenteuer Afrika for pulling off one hell of a send-off! The live band was top-notch, with local sensation Vaughn rocking all night and ensuring the dance floor was never empty. And let’s not forget DJ Alex from Corporate Event Gear, who provided tunes and lighting that truly upped the game! What a vibe!

The food was fantastic, the table decor was outstanding, and the costumes—well, just look at these photos! Arriving to a red carpet entry, an array of candlelight in the desert, and a welcome drink courtesy of Bruce Jack Wines set the perfect tone for the evening.

And a shoutout to the crowd favourite, the Shearwater Boys, who took home the title for best dressed by popular applause! Thanks to Gondwana, these guys will be tripping around Namibia in style with an amazing 10-night holiday prize!
We can’t wait to see you all next year when our show comes full circle back to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe! Until then, keep shining bright!

25/11/2024

Absolutely nothing compares to the experience of visiting a destination firsthand, and that’s exactly what our travel buyers enjoyed during the recent Africa's Eden Travel Show - Global Edition! From scaling the heights of Big Daddy at Sossusvlei to witnessing the magnificent roar of Victoria Falls and peacefully gliding through the beautiful Okavango Delta in a dugout canoe, our familiarisation trips (fam trips) provide invaluable insights that no brochure can capture.

These immersive experiences equip our travel buyers with the knowledge and passion they need to showcase our fantastic destinations to their clients. Everyone returned not just with stunning photos, but with stories and firsthand accounts that will undoubtedly elevate their sales conversations!

A big shoutout to Discover Airlines for being a key show sponsor and ensuring our travel buyers enjoyed seamless travel from Victoria Falls Airport to Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport. Your support helps make these transformative experiences possible!

22/11/2024

During Africa's Eden Travel Show - Global Edition held at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, we facilitated pre-scheduled, matched one-on-one meetings that played a pivotal role in fostering meaningful connections between global travel buyers from 21 different countries and our diverse array of exhibiting companies.

A special shoutout to Ultimate Safaris for starting the day right with complimentary coffee and croissants from local roastery Two Beards Coffee! And, of course, a huge thank you to Okavango Gin for helping us wind down each afternoon with a refreshing gin and tonic—because it’s a travel show in Africa, after all!

These meetings are crucial for ensuring that each participant walks away with a deeper understanding of our offerings, as well as the connections needed to enhance their business ventures in the travel industry. At the end of the day, we’re here for business—although the fun we have along the way makes the work even more rewarding!

Thank you to everyone involved for making these connections possible and for contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and exploration!

21/11/2024

We're still buzzing from the amazing opening event at the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre during the Africa's Eden Travel Show - Global Edition! A heartfelt thank you to Legacy Hotels for graciously hosting us in such a stunning venue, showcasing the unique talent, charm, and hospitality that Swakopmund is renowned for.

We’re also grateful to Bruce Jack Wines for their exquisite selection, and to the locally produced Stillhouse Gin, which added a delightful local tipple to our evening. It’s partnerships like these that not only elevate our events but truly enhance the travel experience for global buyers discovering the beauty of our region.
A big thank you to Abenteur Afrika for providing shuttles to and from the opening function and for organizing top-class local entertainment with singers, traditional dancers, and fire dancers. Their coordination of all the moving parts was instrumental in the event's success.

A special shoutout to Lynne and Louise from Gondwana and Gitta from HAN for all their support. Your efforts in bringing the show to life in Namibia were invaluable! Together, we’re showcasing the incredible potential and diversity our destinations offer.

20/11/2024

At Africa's Eden, we believe that destination workshops are an integral component of our travel shows and roadshows, and for good reason! These workshops set the stage for more meaningful interactions, provide educational insights on key aspects like air access and visa requirements, and promote our incredible destinations as a whole.

During our recent Africa's Eden Travel Show - Global Edition in Swakopmund, Namibia, we witnessed firsthand the impact of these workshops. A huge thank you to our destination experts who facilitated these invaluable sessions:

🇧🇼 Botswana - Tessa Bell from The Pack
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe - Jessica White from Wild Horizons and Julian Brookstein from Mutondo Safaris
🇳🇦 Namibia - Louise Leach from Gondwana Collection Namibia
🇿🇲 Zambia - Lauren Mallet and Chileya Kasuba-Ndeke from Royal Zambezi Lodge

🌟 New Destination Workshops:
🇦🇴 Angola - Jay Sarro
🇲🇼 Malawi - Sarah Njanji and Ian Musyani

Your expertise not only enriches the event but also empowers global travel buyers with the essential knowledge they need to promote our beautiful destinations effectively. Thank you for your commitment to showcasing Africa’s diversity and potential in the travel industry!

Stay tuned for more insights and highlights from the travel show! 🌟🙌

19/11/2024

Excited to share: The Africa's Eden Travel Show - Global Edition in Swakopmund, Namibia was an unforgettable experience! We know you’re chomping at the bit to see photos and hear all about it, so here’s a little teaser to whet your appetite!

From engaging destination workshops led by our seasoned experts to pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings that sparked collaboration, there was no shortage of valuable connections made. Our opening and closing events? Let’s just say they set the bar sky high for ‘show-stopping’!

Stay tuned for the full recap – the best is yet to come! 📸🌟

09/11/2024

🌍✨ Every journey tells a story, and some stories bring unexpected surprises!

Today, we share a heartwarming experience from one of our buyers, Simona Gallo, from our Signature AE Global Travel Show. While navigating Namibia’s vast desert, she embarked on a unique rescue mission! 🚗💨

Simona came across a tiny, lonely puppy with an undeniable charm – one that stole her heart instantly! 🐾💛 Without a second thought, she scooped him up and drove nearly 400 km, hoping to find him a loving home.

And she found more than just a home – she found him a family! Now, “Sense” is the proud new mascot of Sense of Africa Namibia, ready to greet everyone with his boundless spirit and bring smiles to those he meets. 🐶❤️

07/11/2024

Travel trade participants are diving into the Africa's Eden experience on our pre-Global Travel Show fam tours! With a focus on regionality, these tours showcase how easily multiple countries can be combined into one seamless itinerary—sometimes spanning two or three destinations.

Each itinerary highlights the rich diversity of landscapes, cultures, and experiences within Africa’s Eden, giving our travel trade partners the firsthand insights they need to inspire their clients with the endless possibilities of exploring this incredible region. Safari Essence The Pack - Community through collaboration Wild Waters Group

06/11/2024

A warm welcome to global agents from over 21 countries on our exclusive FAM trips throughout Africa’s Eden! This year, we’re gathering in Swakopmund, Namibia, for the meeting/networking element of our annual, signature travel show.

Here’s a snapshot from Gondwana Collection Namibia Southern Namibia FAM tour and Africa's Eden Namibia tour with Ultimate Safaris, Wolwedans, and Gondwana. Stay tuned as we capture more unforgettable moments!

01/11/2024

We're Strengthening Connections for Southern Africa’s Tourism Future

Last week, Africa's Eden hosted our first-ever regional DMO workshop in the beautiful town of Livingstone, Zambia – marking the beginning of an annual tradition! Bringing together key players in one room is no small feat, but we believe face-to-face collaboration is invaluable for fostering real connections and impactful partnerships.

A huge thank you to the Minister of Tourism Hon Rodney Sikumba - MP, and our members who made this gathering unforgettable, showcasing Livingstone's hospitality with excellence:

✔️ Shaun Wheeler and the team at Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Resort
✔️ The Elephant Cafe and Safari Par Excellence
✔️ The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa
✔️ Tongabezi Lodge by Green Safaris
✔️ Wild Horizons
✔️ Bushtracks Africa

In attendance:

Jillian Blackbeard - CEO, Africa's Eden Tourism
Matongo Matamwandi - CEO, Zambia Tourism Board
Betty Chabala - Manager MICE, Zambia Tourism Board
Sosten Yobe Lingwalanya - Acting Director of Tourism, Malawi Department of Tourism
Gitta Paetzold - CEO, Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN)
Paul Matamisa - CEO, Zimbabwe Council for Tourism
David Frost - CEO, Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA)
Nick Tucker - Acting Marketing Manager, Boundless Southern Africa
Kim Barnett - CMO, Africa's Eden Tourism

Thank you all for joining us in setting the stage for a brighter, more united tourism industry across Southern Africa. Here’s to stronger partnerships and a shared vision for sustainable growth!

25/10/2024

Harare Roadshow Success! ✔️

Our recent Harare Roadshow showcased the power of regional travel trade partnerships in driving tourism forward. Events like this are more than just meetings—they’re a chance to connect our incredible exhibitors with the local travel industry, foster essential relationships, and conduct destination training on a large scale.

Our regional roadshows are about equipping local travel partners with the knowledge and connections to inspire travellers. It’s a reminder that collaboration within our region is key to building a sustainable, thriving tourism sector.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Harare! Next stop - Swakopmund!

24/10/2024

🇿🇲 Happy Independence Day, Zambia! 🇿🇲

At Africa’s Eden, we extend our warmest wishes to the people of Zambia as you celebrate 60 years of independence!

This remarkable milestone reflects the strength, unity, and resilience of Zambia. We’re proud to be part of this journey and continue to celebrate the limitless potential that Zambia shares with the world.

Here’s to 60 years and beyond!

01/10/2024

At Africa's Eden, our mission has always been to showcase the unique beauty and diversity of this region, and this partnership will enable us to strengthen our collective voice.

Inbound association SATSA and DMO Africa’s Eden have announced a strategic partnership that will leverage the respective strengths of both associations for the benefit of their members across

30/09/2024

Boipuso Botswana! 🇧🇼

Today, we celebrate Botswana's history, culture, and phenomenal beauty as the nation marks its Independence Day. Since gaining independence in 1966, Botswana has blossomed into one of Africa’s most remarkable success stories, known for its peaceful democracy, thriving wildlife, and commitment to conservation. Today, we honour this exceptional nation and the spirit of its people.

P**a Botswana! 💙

27/09/2024

Africa’s Eden and SATSA have announced a strategic partnership that will leverage the respective strengths of both associations for the benefit of their members across Southern Africa.

The partnership combines SATSA’s formidable lobbying power and industry issue
management in South Africa with Africa’s Eden’s marketing strengths and extensive
network across Southern Africa.

Says David Frost, CEO SATSA: "By combining SATSA’s lobbying muscle with Africa’s Eden's marketing finesse, the members of both associations now have access to expanded benefits that will directly help their businesses grow. Our partnership
makes sense because of our complementary strengths and areas of focus."

The alliance is about maximising potential, says Jillian Blackbeard, Africa's Eden CEO. “Members across the Southern African region now have the full force of
regional marketing and advocacy best practice behind them. We’re establishing a tourism ecosystem where every member thrives and the collective regional tourism sector grows.”

21/09/2024

What an incredible B4T (Business for Tourism) event we just had in Maun! We got to meet with so many suppliers who make tourism in Africa’s Eden possible, supporting our member properties and mobile safaris in delivering luxury services, even in the most remote locations.

From beds and linen, canvas tenting, cleaning supplies, and tech solutions to morning coffee suppliers, luxury wine, and gin distributors—we saw it all and tasted the best! 🍷☕ It’s these key players who help keep our industry moving and ensure every guest has an unforgettable experience.

A huge thank you to all attendees - you've all helped to make the event a true success!

20/09/2024

A huge thank you to all our incredible Africa's Eden members who travelled to Maun to showcase the magic of our region to the local travel buyers! Your passion, energy, and dedication made this roadshow another unforgettable success. 🌟

From insightful conversations to creating new partnerships, we've once again shown what makes Africa's Eden truly special. Here's to continued collaboration, shared stories, and many more adventures ahead!

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