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Spectacular Seychelles stuns golfers yet again for the second edition of the MCB Tour Championship

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Seychelles could not have been more magnificent as the country held the 3-day competition of the second edition of the MCB Tour Championship at the Constance Lemuria on Praslin.

The competition, which closed on Saturday, December 7, saw the participation of 48 golfers from 16 different nationalities.

After an interesting Pro-Am event on Wednesday December 4, where the celebrity golfers played alongside Seychelles local golfers, they teed off for some serious business on Thursday December 5, under a perfectly sunny day.

Aside from the picture-perfect weather, Seychelles did not fail on providing the best play conditions for the golfers as they enjoyed a flawless course manned meticulously by the Constance Lemuria team under the supervision of Gary Pouponneau.

Seychelles, pristine paradise is an amazing archipelago in the Indian Ocean formed of 115 islands and is home to a beautifully diverse creole population. 

The country’s strong actions and constant avant-garde stands as a conservation pioneer in the region and around the world is also part of its renown.

Speaking at the tournament, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis commented on her absolute pleasure to have witnessed a successful second edition of the MCB Tour Championship in Seychelles.

She commended the organizers and the various sponsors including MCB Seychelles, Constance Lemuria, Staysure Tour, ISPC Seychelles, Hugo Boss, Cat Cocos, Takamaka Rum and Seybrew for their efforts.

Mrs. Francis mentioned that this second edition was definitely to place the destination in perspective as a place where nature prevails above all.    

“We keep on hearing amazing comments about the golf course, the views specially the one up Tee 15 which looks down to Anse Georgette is spectacular, this is definitely the kind of the images we want people to see as it shows  that our destination is truly another world of amazing fauna and flora,” said Mrs. Francis 

Mrs. Francis further mentioned that as part of its marketing strategy, the STB supports various national and international events throughout the year to increase the destination’s visibility.

While the first round ended with Gary Orr heading the scoreboards, recording an opening round of 64, six under par.

The second day saw the rise of South African, James Kingston at the head of the scoreboards, who carded a four under par round of 66.

The third competition day saw the crowning of Australian Peter Fowler who after three days of competition made it up the scoreboards.

MCB Group CEO Mr. Pierre Guy Noel and Deputy CEO Mr. Raoul Gufflet presented the MCB Tour Championship Seychelles trophy alongside Seychelles minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr. Didier Dogley.

The prize giving ceremony was conducted in the presence of Bruno Le Gac, General Manager for Lemuria; Mrs. Sherin Francis STB Chief Executive; Mark Aspland, Head of the Staysure Tour European Tour; Bernard Jackson, MCB Seychelles Managing Director; Captain Guy Adam Chairperson for Constance Seychelles and Jean-Jacques Vallet, CEO Constance Hotels Resorts and Golf.

Speaking about his victory on the Constance Lemuria course today, Fowler mentioned that this third day of the competition has been favorable to him as he started on a good start, which helped in his scores.

“It is absolutely great to be back in the Seychelles, I have been swimming and doing my exercises outdoors every day, I am looking forward to coming back in 2020,” said Fowler.

The tournament also received the support of local destination management companies Mason’s Travel, Creole Travel Services, 7 Degree South and Summer Rain Tours.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel

The Seychelles Islands Excels at the Ninth Edition of Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards

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In the ninth edition of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards, The Seychelles Islands won the runner up award for the Favorite Emerging Overseas Country.

Held at the ITC Maurya, New Delhi- India on November 19, 2019, the ceremony was hosted by the esteemed Bollywood actress, Bhumi Pednekar, and attracted the likes of industry leaders, influencers and recognized names in the travel and tourism industries as well as government bodies.

As an increasingly popular tourist destination, Seychelles situated in Indian Ocean region is a promise of pristine paradise and beautiful adventure. The Seychelles islands, absolutely another world, as its brand would say it, is an ultimate holiday destination of some colorful 115 islands sprinkled with warm browns, striking turquoise and other hues found in the color spectrum.

Speaking about the latest recognition received by the destination, Mrs. Sherin Francis Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive mentioned that it is an honor for the destination to have been voted by the readers of the Condé Nast Traveller magazine.

“The task of creating visibility for such a small destination is not always an easy one, this is why being recognized as the Favorite Emerging Overseas Country is even more significant for us. It is a collective effort on our part as the tourism board and on the part of our trade partners and usual collaborators.

We strive to demarcate our destination by its uniqueness and it is rewarding to see that our efforts have not gone unnoticed,” said Mrs. Francis.

Rewarded by the Readers’ Travel Awards, Seychelles has been chosen through a readers’ voting process spanning over two months sans any nominations. The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards also recognizes the best in the travel industry, namely hotels, destinations, airlines, spas, websites, apps, cruise lines and more. 

Several eminent personalities present at the ceremony included; Mr. Alexander Laloo Hek, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Meghalaya, Shri-Ram Gau-riya, Member of Legislative Assembly, Nagaur, Rajasthan, Shri Sampath Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Ms. Sanme Marak, Additional Resident Commissioner, Meghalaya, His Excellency Mr. Thomas Selby Pillay, High Commissioner of Seychelles, Mr. John Madew, Minister, Commercial and Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner, Austrade, Mr. Sanjay Pandey, Additional Director, Rajasthan Tourism, Mr. Deniz Ersoz, Culture and tourism Counsellor, Turkey Embassy, Mr. Fabio Subia, Second Secretary and Head of the Consular Section and Cultural Attaché, Embassy of Peru to name a few. 

Since its establishment in 1989 in the United States of America, the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards has set the benchmarks in the hospitality and travel industry worldwide.

The Readers’ Travel Award 2019 winners will be featured in Condé Nast Traveller India’s December 2019 — January 2020 issue.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel

Anguilla scores a three-peat! Voted Best Caribbean Island third year in a row in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2019

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The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) is delighted to announce that for a truly unprecedented third year in a row, Anguilla has been ranked #1 island in the Caribbean, Bermuda and Bahamas in the 2019 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, honoring the top travel destinations and companies around the globe as rated by its readers. The Island was also claimed the #6 position on the Top 15 Best Islands in the World list.

“We are extremely pleased and proud to once again receive this prestigious Award, a wonderful endorsement of our exceptional tourism product,” said the Hon. Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary in Anguilla’s Ministry of Tourism. “The credit for this Award goes beyond our tourism stakeholders to all the people of Anguilla, and our longstanding tradition of warm hospitality that brings our visitors back, year after year,” he continued.

“We are thrilled that Anguilla has been voted the #1 Island in the Caribbean for the third year in a row, and the #6 Island in the World, by this discerning group of experienced, global travelers,” said ATB Chairperson, Mrs. Donna Banks. “Over the past two years we have restructured the Anguilla Tourist Board, bringing new talent into the organization, strengthening our marketing department, and expanding our outreach to stakeholders. We are greatly encouraged by this Award, which validates our change in strategy and direction.”

Three Anguilla resorts are featured in the Top 25 Caribbean Resort Hotels category – Frangipani Beach Resort ranked #2; Malliouhana, Auberge Resort Collection ranked #14; and Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa ranked #24. The Frangipani Beach Resort is once again the only property featured in the Top Hotels Overall, ranked #46.

Starting in December 2018, Anguilla has achieved record-breaking tourist arrivals every month through May 2019, the latest month for which visitor arrivals are available. With brand new and newly renovated resorts, a host of new attractions, and a new campaign, “Beyond Extraordinary” that focuses on the Anguilla experience, the island’s tourism industry is on track to realize its best year ever in terms of both arrivals and revenues.

The World’s Best Awards appear in the August 2019 issue of Travel + Leisure, on sale July XX, and online at this link: https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best. A special reception to celebrate the winners will be held on July 16, 2019 at the new Times Square EDITION in New York City.

For more information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.

About Anguilla

Tucked away in the northern Caribbean, Anguilla is a shy beauty with a warm smile. A slender length of coral and limestone fringed with green, the island is ringed with 33 beaches, considered by savvy travelers and top travel magazines, to be the most beautiful in the world.

Anguilla lies just off the beaten path, so it has retained a charming character and exclusivity. Yet because it can be conveniently reached from two major gateways: Puerto Rico and St Martin, and by private air, it’s a hop and a skip away.

Romance? Barefoot elegance? Unfussy chic? And untrammeled bliss?

Anguilla is Beyond Extraordinary. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Ross, Anguilla Tourist Board, North America, T. 917-858-2411, E. rossa@pmgroup.bz

Les Escapades Seychelles 2019, another Successful Edition for the Destination

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Held from June 4, 2019 to June 6, 2019, the 16th Edition of the annual Roadshow – Escapades Seychelles received a notable success in the hexagon, as the beauties of the destination was showcased in three major cities.

The train-and-dine events, which took place in three cities in France namely Nice, Paris and Lille, were organised by the Seychelles Tourism Board office in France with the collaboration with various trade partners from Seychelles.

On the tourism board side, the Seychelles delegation consisted of the STB France based Regional Director for Europe, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin alongside Jennifer Dupuy and Myra Fanchette both Marketing Executives from the same office.

The partners representing the Seychelles trade included Wendy Tan from Berjaya Hotels, Castello Beach Hotel-Le Duc de Praslin Hotel & Villas-Valmer Resort was represented by Derek Savy, Virginie Fimbel attended on behalf of Constance Hotels and Resorts.

In addition, present at the Escapades Seychelles was Guillaume Albert who represented the Domaine de l’Orangeraie, Domaine de La Reserve and Cat Cocos Ferry while Devi Pentamah and Vicky Ja’far represented Hilton Seychelles and The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach respectively.  

All parties promoting the features of the destination alongside the services and activities available, through two different formats including giant screen presentations in Nice and Lille and B2B Workshop in Paris.

Speaking about the success of the dedicated Seychelles Roadshow organized by STB office in France, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin the Regional Director for Europe stated that the event has been a popular and possible event for the past 16 years because of the continuous support and efforts of our faithful trade partners.

“This strong partnership between the local partners and the Seychelles Tourism Board in France has contributed to the overall awareness of the destination and for the past few years, we have seen an increase in figures to the Seychelles from this area. It is very important to continue hosting such dedicated Seychelles events abroad, thus bringing our beautiful islands, into the limelight and forefront together with the unified help of our trade partners,” said Mrs. Willemin.

Throughout the various presentations in the three cities, the images and descriptions of the Seychelles islands conquered the attending participants through its message of exclusivity.

The Escapades Seychelles 2019 successfully conveyed the message of the destination being a unique one, setting Seychelles apart from its competitors, as a destination of choice amongst the travel trade who are actively selling the destination. 

This annual event not only delivers the impact of the beauty of our islands and the reasons to visit, but also creates an amazing bond between the tourist office and all its partners, who together as a team stood side by side, in this edition of the Escapades Seychelles, proudly presenting travel to the Seychelles …..Another world.

The Seychelles Escapades will come back to France and Benelux 01st – 05th June 20.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel

The 5th Edition of the International Day of Yoga

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The 5th Edition of the International Day of Yoga will be celebrated all around the globe on 21st June 2019.

As in the past, this year also Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India (MOT) will be hosting a Fam Trip for 5 days

(20 to 25 June 2019), to showcase Yoga, Wellness and Spirituality in India for which 2  Tour Operators / Journalists /

Bloggeurs & Opinion Makers are invited to participate from all over the globe.

The International & Domestic Flight tickets along with full accommodation & airport transfers are fully taken care of by Ministry of Tourism for all these five days of the FAM Tour.

Interested participants may send a mail directly to India Tourism Moscow at directorindiatourismparis@gmail.com for further details for participation. The deadline to reach us with your interest is 22 May 2019.

As there are only limited seats  for this FAM Tour, the participants will be selected on “First come – First Serve” basis.

Awaiting to hear from you at the earliest.

29th International Book Fair opens in Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is playing host to the 29th edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair that kicked off on Wednesday with more than 500,000 titles on display.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the UAE Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the event, according to the state-run WAM news agency.

He emphasized the importance of the fair in supporting the UAE’s status in the publishing industry, being one of the most important book fairs in the region that attracts Arab and international publishers.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, the fair features more than 1,000 exhibitors from 50 countries.

Running until April 30, the fair also includes several daily events for visitors such as seminars, workshops, author signings and entertainment activities.

With India as the event’s guest of honour, at least 30 Indian publishing companies are taking part.

This year’s book fair also sees the introduction of three new interactive zones: the E-Zone, Comic Corner and the Entertainment Zone.

Each of the three zones features unique experiences for learning, innovation and entertainment.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Italian Exhibition Group returns to China to promote international tourism

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Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) is returning to China to promote international tourism business. The appointment is at the Shanghai World Travel Fair (SWTF), one of the major tourism industry expos of Eastern China, the 16th edition of which is being held from 18th to 21st April.

Over 750 exhibitors from 53 countries and regions of the world are awaited at the Shanghai Exhibition Center.

SWTF, co-organized by Europe Asia Global Link Exhibitions (EAGLE) – joint venture created by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) and VNU Exhibitions Asia – and Shanghai International Convention & Exhibition Corp. Ltd (on behalf of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism), offers the sector’s trade members a unique business platform and, for the general public, an all-round insight on tourism products, all in the largest tourism region of the Chinese market, Eastern China (China is the world’s largest outbound tourism market, with 149.72 million outbound journeys and a 14.7% increase in 2018).

With over 15,000 trade members expected and a public of 50,000 visitors, the 2019 edition of SWTF will host a busy calendar of appointments and new features. Visitors will explore tourist destinations from all over the world, including Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Cuba, Gabon, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Tanzania, Turkmenistan and Vietnam. SWTF will highlight the entire tourism chain, starting with tourist offices, travel agencies and tour operators, OTA, hotel, airlines, theme parks and resorts, as well as travel services and insurance companies.

On a professional level, SWTF reconfirms its role as a great opportunity for matching to all effects. Over 3,000 B2B appointments with selected buyers from all over Eastern China will take part in the events and the panel scheduled on the latest trends in outbound tourism, organized in cooperation with China Travel Agent. Regarding this, an exclusive B2B area has been realized, which will be accessible to the sector’s trade members exclusively via a face detection system, in order to ensure the quality of the meetings with international suppliers.

Emerging destinations, digital marketing, developments on visa policies and MICE, are just some of the issues that will be covered in the panels by the sector’s opinion leaders, ready to share their successful case histories with the public. Plus, among the speakers, there will also be representatives of the top management of companies such as Ctrip, Tuniu, Uzai, Spring Tour and Tongshen Group, as well as the directors of the Tourism offices of New Zealand, Switzerland and Serbia with branches in Shanghai.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Beach and Sea Safety guide now available for Seychelles visitors

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The Tourism Department proudly released the second edition of its Beach and Sea Safety guide during a Launch ceremony Officiated by Minister Didier Dogley, Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine on Monday April 15, 2019 at Botanical House.

The launch of the publication saw the presence of Principal Secretary for Tourism Mrs. Anne Lafortune and Ms. Philomena Hollanda, Director for Risk Management at the Ministry for Tourism.

During his address to the press, Minister Dogley commended the efforts of the Tourism department for the initiative.

He also extended his compliments to the Seychelles Police, Seychelles Lifeguard, Seychelles Maritime and Safety Administration and the Seychelles Tourism Board who have contributed towards the publication the for their assistance.

“As a destination it is our obligation to provide our visitors with correct and concise information, more often than not our guests feel like they are in paradise and there are no risks. They forget that anywhere they go around the world they need to take precautionary measures to keep themselves safe,” said Minister Dogley.

The Beach and Sea Safety guide is an updated version of a similar publication released in 2014 by the department.

The booklet, which will be shared with all tourism establishments and visitors through the STB Visitors Office on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, seeks to educate the visitors on safety measures that they should undertake whilst on their holiday.

Taking about the guide, Ms. Philomena Hollanda mentioned that the content has been updated in view of the developments that have occurred in the past 5 years in Seychelles.

She also pointed out the new features of the booklet including indications of warning signs, additional information on marine fauna.

“In view of the sudden increase of visitor’s arrivals there is a pressing need for our department to find a way to inform our visitors about safety for their own good. The booklet is a user-friendly publication, which has been designed with beautiful pictures of the Seychelles. It provides information and can also be kept as a souvenir,” Said Ms. Hollanda.

Some 10,000 copies of the booklet has been printed and a digital copy of the same is available on the department’s website.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Somatheeram, world’s first Ayurvedic resort, will join anniversary 25th edition of OTDYKH Leisure 2019

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Somatheeram will, once again, participate at the leading B2B travel exhibition OTDYKH Leisure, which will take place September 10-12, 2019.

Held in Moscow each year, OTDYKH leisure is a perfect start for the upcoming winter season on the Russian inbound and outbound market.

Somatheeram Ayurveda Group in Kerala, India is the foremost resort group in the world for authentic Ayurvedic treatments, Yoga and Meditation.

Founded by Baby Matthews in 1985, today Somathreeram has five deluxe Ayurvedic resorts in Kerala and enchanting houseboats in the backwaters.  The mission of the Group is “to offer the essence and soul of the ancient medical science of Ayurveda and the art of Yoga and Meditation.”

AYURVEDA is a 5000 year old Indian traditional system of medicine. The healing power of Ayurveda has the answer to almost every known ailment.   It is considered to be the oldest form of health care in the world. Ayurveda maintains good health and corrects unstable health. It ensures an honest balance between you, your body and nature.  Ayurveda medicines and supplements are composed only of substances taken from nature. Because they have no side effects, patients do not become physically or psychologically dependent on them.

Somatheeram offers all Ayurveda clinical treatments and treatment packages.  You can choose from rejuvenation therapy, detoxification/body purification, slimming/weight reducing, anti-stress/stress management and beauty care.

Somatheeram is one of over 900 companies participating in the exhibition from every corner of the globe. Once again, OTDYKH team is expecting an outstanding Indiana exposition. In 2018 the expo welcomed India with a record-breaking number of companies. The country was represented by the collective stands of India Tourism and by regional stands of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation as well as by private resorts, hotels, hospitals and companies such as Caper, Sita Somatheeram etc.

Every year Somatheeram is using its presence at OTDYKH International Travel Market to showcase its wide and varied spectrum of Ayurveda treatments procedures.

Somatheeram team is looking forward to meet you at OTDYKH Leisure 2019, Moscow, Expocentre Fairgrounds, Pavilion 2, Hall 1.

Download a Somatheeram brochure.

If you are considering attending the show from September 10-12, 2019, please register free of charge online.

For information on exhibiting please contact Ms. Anna Huber at a.huber@euroexpo-vienna.com, International office: +43 1 230 85 35

eTN is a media partner for OTDYKH.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Africa Tourism Leadership Forum: Next stop Durban

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Themed “Stimulating intra-Africa Travel through thought leadership,” the 2019 Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) is the only Pan-African public-private tourism leadership dialogue platform that is convened, led, and hosted by Africans in Africa. The African Tourism Board is a strategic partner for the event.

The 2019 ATLF and Awards will be hosted by Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau in Durban, under the auspices of the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa from August 29-30, 2019. It is convened by African Tourism Partners with the support of its key strategic partners including BDO South Africa, NEPAD, Africa Travel Associations (ATA) and Voyages Afriq.

According to Mr. Sihle Zikalala, Provincial Minister for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in the KwaZulu-Natal, gatherings like ATLF allow thought leaders in Africa to bring into the limelight exceptional industry developments and inspiring stakeholders who work hard to build a sustainable African travel and tourism industry.

“As the proud host of ATLF 2019, we look forward to welcoming all stakeholders from across the continent and the rest of the world, not only this innovative event but, also to experience what South Africa and our beautiful Province offer the world. ATLF is an African Project that we must all be part of and support,” says Mr. Zikalala.

The 2018 ATLF and Award edition was held in Accra in Ghana. It was hosted by the Government of Ghana through Ghana Tourism Authority and its parent Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. This was attended by Tourism Ministers as well as over 500 public and private sector executives. These included representatives of UNWTO, NEPAD, Diplomatic Corps, Directors-General, global hotel brands, travel management companies, associations, regional executives of airlines, tour operators, educational institutions, researchers and many other industry professionals.

Kwakye Donkor, Africa Tourism Partners’ (ATP) CEO congratulates KwaZulu-Natal Province for winning the bid to host the 2019 ATLF and Awards. “The Provincial Leadership has truly exemplified true values of thought leadership by aiming to bring together industry leaders in Africa to Durban, to once again advance their commitment to promote intra-Africa travel, dialogue and recognize change-makers in Africa’s tourism development as a collective,” says Donkor.

Among the key focus areas of dialogue during the 2019 ATLF and Awards are:

  • The present and future imperatives of Visa Openness, E-visas and Air Connectivity
  • Outlook on the impact Business and MICE Tourism on national economies
  • What it takes for Africa to harness the multi-level Chinese outbound travel market
  • How to embrace and optimize disruptive technological innovation for intra-Africa travel
  • Delivering critical travel and tourism infrastructure with Development Finance Institutions
  • Spotlight on wildlife and biodiversity conservation as strategic tourism assets in Africa
  • Skills Development and Capacity Building across the sector value chain and more
  • Practicalities of Measuring the Return on Destination Marketing Investment

The Africa Tourism Leadership Awards recognizes the best African travel and tourism industry change-makers and innovators. For strategic partnerships, attendance or more information, please contact Ms. Nozipho Dlamini at: nozipho@africatourismpartners.co.za and +27 81303 7030.

Travel News | eTurboNews