A First for Africa - New Pan African E-Tourism Africa Conferences to Help Tourism sector prepare for 2010

Published: 02 Jul 2008

Johannesburg .. A new initiative to develop Africa’s tourism and travel sector was launched today. For the first time in Africa, E Tourism Africa Conferences will be held across the continent to assist Africa’s tourism sector to better understand the internet and the range of online marketing opportunities now available, especially in the lead up to the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The E Tourism Africa conferences, which will be held in Southern, East, North and West Africa, will bring together global online and digital experts, from companies such as Expedia, Digital Visitor, Microsoft, Google, Eviivo, New Mind, WAYN (Where Are You Now?) the world’s largest social network for travelers with over 12 Million members and many more. The international experts will address conference delegates about the new technologies available, as well as highlighting marketing and e-commerce solutions, the best use of social networking, the implications of blogging and the importance of user generated content and online video for the travel trade.

The conferences are being organized by E Tourism Africa, a major new initiative to bring online tourism focused education to Africa, in conjunction with Microsoft and EyeforTravel, the World’s largest Online Travel Conferencing Organisation.

The managing director of E Tourism Africa, Mr Damian Cook, explains the reasons for the conferences, “It is vital that the tourism sector in Africa becomes aware of the vast online opportunities for their businesses. The Internet is becoming the leading source of travel information and sales for the modern consumer, yet very little African tourism is sold online and finding and booking African destinations on the web can be a challenge”.

He went on to say, “Up till now there has been very little information available to the travel trade in Africa on how they can maximize their online presence. The aim of E Tourism Africa is to alter the imbalance between the way tourism is marketed and sold globally and in Africa, where traditional sales channels still dominate. This disparity presents a very real threat for Africa, as Africa risks disappearing from the view of online travel shoppers”.

Also launched was the E- Tourism Africa website, www.e-tourismafrica.com which will give detailed information about the conferences as well as providing a library of resources on online travel and a forum for discussion groups on e tourism issues in Africa.

The first E Tourism Africa conference will focus on the Southern African region and it will be held in Johannesburg on 1-2 September, it is being supported by First National Bank, (FNB), Microsoft, Visa International and Johannesburg Tourism Company. Following the Southern Africa event, the East Africa conference will be held in Nairobi on the 13-14 October, with Safaricom as the title sponsor. Conferences are then planned for Cairo and Ghana in early 2009, culminating with a pan African event in Cape Town in June 2009.

ENDS
For additional information visit www.e-tourismafrica.com
Damian Cook- Managing Director E Tourism Africa
Email: damian@e-tourismafrica.com
Cell: +254 733 826 712

Or contact Elizabeth Cook at Tell-Em Public Relations - Nairobi
Email: elizabeth.cook@tell-em-pr.com
Office: +27 20 374 3764 or 374 6508

Notes to Editor
Online Travel Information
There are an estimated 1.2 billion internet users globally. There has been substantial growth in all world regions, particularly in Asia and the Pacific, which, over seven years, has moved from third position (with about 100 million users), to top position with over 400 million. Current forecasts suggest 1.5 billion people with Internet access in 2011.

In general, travellers are increasingly computer literate and tech aware, with two thirds of the over 100 million travelers who are online (using the Internet to make travel plans). Among online frequent travellers, over 70 percent use the Internet for travel planning. A recent poll of young UK travellers showed an 89% preference for online booking.

New media on the web has major ramifications for travel. This is reflective of the new Web 2.0 environment, fuelled by content and driven by Social Networking. About 44% of US consumers will use social networking at least once a month in 2008. Some 70% of Internet content is forecast to be created by individuals as opposed to publishers and brands within three years.

The nearly tenfold increase in social network advertising spending in the US reflects optimism in the ability of companies like YouTube, MySpace and Facebook. By 2011, research estimates there will be 95 million Web users creating content online, up from 64 million in 2006. (ETC New Media Review, Emarketer, EyeforTravel) www.eyefortravel.com

About E Tourism Africa
The E Tourism conferences, which are a first for Africa, will educate and provide resources to both the private and public sectors to enable a shift from traditional sales and marketing methods to create a locally based, business driven environment for online travel distribution and e-commerce.

The conference programme is being implemented in association with Microsoft and EyeforTravel International, see www.eyefortravel.com

E Tourism Africa Conference Dates and Locations
The E Tourism Southern Africa conference will be held in Johannesburg at the FNB Building at Fairland on the 1st-2nd September, followed by three days of special training seminars for the tourist trade on the 3rd-5th September at the FNB Conference and Learning Centre in Sandown, Santon, Johannesburg.

The E Tourism East Africa conference will be held in Nairobi at the Fox Cinema at Sarit Centre on the 13-14th October, followed by three days of special training seminars for the tourism sector on the 15-17th October at the KWS Training Centre.

Comments

You must be logged in to post comments.

Events, Conferences and Reports

Travel Distribution Summit North America 2009

The Westin, Chicago, September 16-17

This event consistently attracts the top names in travel distribution, marketing and ecommerce. It will feature the biggest names in travel and will cover the topics that are vital to your business. Plus, it is the best networking opportunity for senior travel executives in North America.

Travel Distribution Summit India 2009

October

TDS India is the subcontinent's only travel distribution, sales and technology forum. It is the trusted annual meeting place for debating the next evolutionary phase of in this dynamic region.

North American Online Travel Report 2009

2009

The North American online travel market is growing. This report is packed with statistics and analysis that will show you how and where. Vital to create a strategy that will enable you to succeed

Travel Distribution In-house Research and Training

Available Now

Access video footage from the world’s biggest meeting of online travel and travel distribution execs. Includes more than 50 conference talks, slides and panel debates. Topics covered include online travel strategies, revenue management and ancillary revenue.

Revenue Management and Pricing in Travel USA 2009

September 16-17, Chicago

Senior executives involved in Revenue Management and Pricing convene for this annual update on the latest RM, pricing and profit optimization strategies. With an emphasis on consumer behavior and scientific methodology, expert speakers from hotels, airlines and academic institutions will reveal how to grow revenue in the economic downturn.

Mobile Strategies for Travel 2009

The Westin Michigan Avenue, September 16-17

How to use mobile technology to sell more of your travel product. Conference, networking and origianal research that will help you use mobile to maximize sales

Mobile Technology in Travel Report: The Detail

May-September

The second in the series of EyeforTravel's School of Mobile reports. This report has been designed from the ground up to help decision makers in the Travel and Tourism industry navigate the mobile ecosystem and make intelligent decisions about understanding and embracing mobile. Free to the travel industry

Sales & Marketing in Travel Europe 2009 Summit

13-14 October, Prague

In this challenging economic climate it's never been so important to review your marketing spend. This event is packed full of best practices, refreshing ideas and case studies from leading marketers in the travel industry.

Social Media Strategies in Travel

13-14 October, Prague

Hear insightful case studies from leading travel brands on how to successfully create a social media strategy that adds real value to your business. Part of EyeforTravel's Sales & Marketing in Travel Europe, this two day conference cuts through the hype and leaves you buzzing with ideas to implement at little extra cost!

EyeforTravel@WTM - Travel Technology Summit

11-12 November, London

This year at World Travel Market, EyeforTravel are offering you the chance to join some of the most innovative senior executives in travel to discuss key technology in travel issues. The 2 day conference balances poignant discussions and ample networking to help you get ahead – and stay ahead – in travel technology.

Revenue Management and Pricing in Travel Europe 2009

24-25 November 2009, Movenpick Hotel, Amsterdam

The annual meeting place for European revenue management and pricing professionals in travel. This established conference in now in it 6th successful year and will see senior-level executives involved in revenue management and pricing convene for 2 days of networking, knowledge sharing and learning.