Simply attending events and following trends won’t cut it if the goal is to stand out in the travel industry. The secret to gaining a competitive advantage is to seize every opportunity to learn, nurture powerful connections, and properly explore the destinations you sell.
“This is where Familiarisation Trips (FAM trips) come in as an invaluable tool, offering buyers a chance to see and experience a destination for themselves while creating lasting connections. You can’t just ‘know’ a destination – you have to live it in order to sell it successfully,” says Jacqui Reynolds, Co-Owner of On Show Solutions and Co-Founder of Essence of Africa.
While some buyers might hesitate due to certain fees involved, it’s undeniable that FAM trips provide infinitely more value and savings compared to planning a trip independently. FAM trips offered by exhibitors at Essence of Africa (EOA) are a strategic, professional investment with far-reaching benefits for your business.
The value of FAM trips
EOA, driven by the private sector’s passion for introducing the travel trade to Africa’s best, offers hosted FAM trips across the continent, including in Kenya (the event’s host country), South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Exhibitors cover most of the travel and hosting costs associated with these trips
“Yes, there might be additional fees, such as government taxes or park entrance fees. But these fees are direct contributions to the sustainable development of African tourism. They support local communities, fund conservation efforts, and ensure that the destinations our buyers are promoting continue to thrive for generations to come,” adds Chris Mears, CEO of ATTA®
and another Co-Founder of the Essence of Africa.
More about the ROI of FAM trips
Consider the alternative: planning a similar trip independently and bearing the full brunt of flights, accommodation, activities, and those same taxes and entrance fees. FAM trips offer a significantly reduced cost while providing:
- Handpicked experiences: Exhibitors compile itineraries with each buyer’s specific target market in mind.
- Insider access: These trips give a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the tourism industry, where buyers can rub shoulders with key players, building relationships with the potential for securing exclusive deals and preferential rates.
- In-depth knowledge: Buyers experience the accommodations, activities, and attractions for themselves, empowering them to speak with confidence and authority when recommending them to clients.
- Outstanding content creation: During their stay, they’ll capture beautiful visuals and gather stories to share with travellers, thus enhancing marketing efforts and setting themselves apart from the competition.
Beyond the balance sheet
FAM trips extend far beyond financial gains. They lead to:
- Personal and professional growth: Exploring new cultures, experiencing one-of-a-kind activities, and connecting with passionate individuals expands horizons and sparks creativity, leading to more innovative and fulfilling travel experiences for clients.
- Trust and collaboration: Sharing experiences with suppliers and fellow buyers cultivates trust and encourages collaboration, paving the way for long-term partnerships and mutual success within the travel ecosystem.
- Sustainable tourism development: FAM trip participation, including any additional fees, directly supports local communities and conservation efforts. By participating, buyers become active contributors to securing a positive future for African tourism.
Essence of Africa is set to become the go-to platform for buyers to capitalise on the continent’s immense tourism potential.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Please contact the Buyer Team at buyer@eoa.travel to find out about the fam trips that have been designed for your market.