The highly anticipated Sho’t Left Travel Week (SLTW) –which provides huge discounts and exciting travel deals to encourage South Africans to explore their own country – kicks off next week (September 2-8).
Mashoto Mokgethi, SAT’s Hub Head for South Africa, said it was also an opportunity for SAT’s trade partners to maximise their participation. “Our goal was to reach 900 deals – mirroring last year’s total.”
SLTW offers South Africans unparalleled access to exceptional travel deals with discounts of up to 50% on a wide range of tourism products nationwide. The initiative encourages locals to explore South Africa’s diverse landscapes, attractions and accommodations while supporting the domestic tourism industry.
Mokgethi said it not only provides excellent travel opportunities and experiences for consumers but enables the tourism trade to move inventory that may be stagnant or slow to sell.
Last year, the SLTW platform attracted 10 000 visitors – all eager to discover the best deals. Mokgethi pointed out, although SLTW will focus on September 2-8, bookings will not be restricted to that period.
She also highlighted the strategic advantages of the platform for trade members. “Businesses facing traditionally slow periods, such as the winter period, for example, can tailor their promotions on the platform to boost sales during that time.”
Affordability and access to information are primary obstacles in making travel more accessible to South Africans, according to Mokgethi.
“Many people in our communities are not online and lack access to travel information. Our activations in shopping malls aim to reach underserved communities and provide them with access to domestic tourism deals available in areas close to their homes.”
Additionally, SAT is collaborating with the South African Township and Village Tourism Association (SATOVITO) to promote authentic, indigenous tourism services and experiences. Several SATOVITO members will offer exclusive deals on the SAT trade platform during SLTW.
The significance of domestic tourism is evident in the 2023 statistics: total domestic tourism spend was R121 billion last year including holiday travellers, the visiting friends and relatives market and MICE travellers.
From January to May 2024, domestic tourism spend reached R45 billion (4% up from the same period in 2023 when it was R43 billion). Although holiday travel declined by 3% during January to May 2024, mainly due to a rise in international travel, there was a 1% increase in holiday spending.
Tourism businesses are encouraged to upload their offers at www.profile.shotleft.co.za and consumers can explore the available deals at www.shotleft.co.za.
Southern & East African Tourism Update
www.tourismupdate.co.za
