We arrived a day before the start of what is widely regarded as one of Africa’s top travel and tourism shows, and our busy week kicked off with a first for Flow: live coverage of Digital Symposium 2017, an initiative run by Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with tourism-networking and influencer organisation Travel Massive.
Dubbed #DigiSym2017, the interactive event provided a platform for digital content and marketing experts to share advice and insights.
.@Barba_G74 introduces #DigiSym2017, which gives insight into the digital space and the role it plays in tourism marketing. pic.twitter.com/GE1pGibwuN
— Flow Communications (@FlowComms) May 15, 2017
Our CEO, @taraturk1, points out all the awesome bloggers and social media gurus around us today, like @DiBrown5 and @MzansiGirl #DigiSym2017 pic.twitter.com/EIZJySJZb4
— Flow Communications (@FlowComms) May 15, 2017
Next up presenting at #DigiSym2017 are @HotelsdotcomEU and @ExpediaInc talking about their offering and what differentiates them #INDABA2017 pic.twitter.com/7w6Bfh6dVl
— Visit Gauteng (@visitgauteng) May 15, 2017
Matt Shaw from @Google is here, talking to us about micro moments. #DigiSym2017 pic.twitter.com/0Oty7MhDyt
— Flow Communications (@FlowComms) May 15, 2017
Ending off #DigiSym2017 with a panel discussion, listening to a collection of the best minds in the digital space for tourism marketing �� pic.twitter.com/oEpos5qrjC
— Flow Communications (@FlowComms) May 15, 2017
The event was a success – with #DigiSym2017 trending on Twitter, where the day’s insights were shared with those following the hashtag. The discussions certainly set a benchmark for future digital symposiums, the next of which will form part of the new-format Africa’s Tourism INDABA in 2018.
Following #DigiSym2017, Flowstars switched to a new hashtag – #INDABA2017 – as day one of INDABA, one of Africa’s largest annual tourism marketing events, kicked off. As in the past, Flow attended INDABA to cover the event live on behalf of clients, including GTA, the Northern Cape Tourism Authority and Mango.
Half of team #Flow on day one of #Indaba2017. Ready for action! pic.twitter.com/87HHqMUxkf
— Flow Communications (@FlowComms) May 16, 2017
.@DieGemmer ready for action. Day one, #Indaba2017, let’s do this! pic.twitter.com/9AgOQ83vR5
— Flow Communications (@FlowComms) May 16, 2017
Vibrant and joyful – this is how travel in South Africa is defined. ��Opening ceremony of #INDABA2017 in Durban. pic.twitter.com/NSPEyzK2el
— Mango Airlines (@FlyMangoSA) May 16, 2017
Traditional Zulu dancers entertaining us at the opening ceremony of #INDABA2017. @SATravelTrade pic.twitter.com/eZhuWu1BLw
— Northern Cape (@NorthernCapeSA) May 16, 2017
After a multicultural opening featuring singing and traditional dance, President Jacob Zuma officially opened INDABA2017. Here is a video of the President’s opening speech:
President Jacob Zuma addressing #INDABA2017 https://t.co/AekrbRsYTs
— Visit Gauteng (@visitgauteng) May 16, 2017
The first day was filled with interesting meetings and networking, interviews and interactions.
Nature, culture and adventure. Come and say hello to the #NorthernCape at #INDABA2017. pic.twitter.com/ssTviOQJ0m
— Northern Cape (@NorthernCapeSA) May 16, 2017
Cool patterns and prints are a trend at #INDABA2017. pic.twitter.com/3slmE7K3Lm
— Flow Communications (@FlowComms) May 16, 2017
Leana, the Richtersveld route representative, tells us of the “unique adventures that you’ll experience while on the route.” #INDABA2017 pic.twitter.com/dp8lR3EjHQ
— Northern Cape (@NorthernCapeSA) May 16, 2017
We review day 1 of #INDABA2017 #GPLifestyle @SATravelTrade @sisantshona @GautengDED https://t.co/hqb8Jm9RD6 pic.twitter.com/rZH3mASIwu
— Visit Gauteng (@visitgauteng) May 16, 2017
Reflecting on day one of his first Indaba, Flowstar Nick Jackson said, “I’ve heard so much about INDABA and it was great to be a part of it – to see how big it actually is, and how Africa-focused the event is.”
We’re ready for day two of #INDABA2017. Follow @visitgauteng, @NorthernCapeSA and @FlyMangoSA for regular updates throughout the day. pic.twitter.com/f7GIMKa0H9
— Flow Communications (@FlowComms) May 17, 2017
By day two of INDABA, Durban was drying out, with the sun slowly poking through the clouds. The day’s hashtag focus was #WeDoTourism – a new campaign spearheaded by the Department of Tourism and launched by Minister of Tourism Tokozile Xasa on the Tuesday evening. The initiative aims to get every South African to contribute to the industry and ultimately grow it.
Day 2 of meetings with tourism buyers are under way at our #INDABA2017 stand. #WeDoTourism and it starts here! pic.twitter.com/3nxxiUyyB1
— Visit Gauteng (@visitgauteng) May 17, 2017
Find all our #INDABA2017 news and info, including SMME info, on our website: https://t.co/50kFytdHTz #WeDoTourism #IDoTourism pic.twitter.com/Hs1N7zmSdT
— Visit Gauteng (@visitgauteng) May 17, 2017
On the evening of day two, Flowstars Roshni Nana and Camilla Kohlmeyer attended another successful GTA event, which showcased Gauteng and events in the province to potential buyers.
.@roshninana ready for tonight’s @visitgauteng event, showcasing Gauteng and all its best offerings. #GPLifestyle #WeDoTourism pic.twitter.com/YCnHAYGKIB
— Flow Communications (@FlowComms) May 17, 2017
This evening we are showcasing Gauteng events to potential buyers. #WeDoTourism #GPLifestyle pic.twitter.com/GYFlMokZDP
— Visit Gauteng (@visitgauteng) May 17, 2017
GTA chief executive officer Siphiwe Ngwenya addressed the gathering, saying that events such as INDABA showcased what GTA had to offer as a South African destination. He stressed the importance of tourism and how it created jobs.
“Tourism creates jobs. Gauteng is a gateway into Africa and South Africa – we have great economic opportunity,” says Ngwenya. #GPLifestyle
— Visit Gauteng (@visitgauteng) May 17, 2017
“The third and final day of Indaba rolled around quicker than I could have imagined. Time flies when you’re having fun,” said Camilla. “I was a little sad that it was coming to an end – I learned so much about the industry and its importance in our economy.”
#WeDoTourism - this is what it is all about. #INDABA2017 day 3, let’s go! pic.twitter.com/l8PwIcgYHv
— Flow Communications (@FlowComms) May 18, 2017
A highlight of the last day was the big announcement that INDABA would be rebranded as Africa’s Travel Indaba for the next five years, in recognition of the growing number of countries on the continent taking part.
From next year #INDABA2017 will be known as Africa’s Travel Indaba and next year’s event will take place from 8-10 May 2018. pic.twitter.com/2zrWVfojbB
— Visit Gauteng (@visitgauteng) May 18, 2017
“For me, the tweet below sums up Indaba,” said Roshni. “We live in the most beautiful country, and to be a part of INDABA is truly something special.”
“South Africa is the envy of the entire world”, says @tokozile_xasa #INDABA2017. We couldn’t agree more!
— Flow Communications (@FlowComms) May 16, 2017