For travel professionals, this is both a challenge and an invitation: how to match the right traveller with the right France, at the right time of year. 

Stay + Do makes it easier than ever to create immersive travel experiences, turning accommodation bookings into curated itineraries by pairing every stay with thousands of commissionable activities across 785 destinations in 128 countries. 

The result? Tailored itineraries that help your travellers turn seasonal travel into a story in itself. And France may just be the best destination to see the art of luxury travel immersion come to life.

Giverny in Spring: Renewal in bloom

Being swept away by Monet’s Water Lilies at the Musée de l’Orangerie is a given. But in spring, travellers can step inside the very burst of colour that inspired him.

With Stay + Do, agents can book a guided day trip to Giverny and Versailles. Clients stroll through Monet’s Clos Normand garden, cross the Japanese bridge reflected in his paintings, and wander the Rebocado-pink house restored to its 19th-century glory. After a pause for lunch, the journey continues to Versailles, where palatial grandeur and manicured gardens come alive through a guide’s tales of royal life.

It’s spring travel as Monet imagined it: full of colour, renewal, and quiet grandeur.

Marseille in Summer: France in full voice

France’s summers are loud with life: lavender buzzing with bees, villages spilling into the street for music, the Mediterranean glittering under blue skies. But its voice also carries deeper echoes.

In Marseille, travellers can step into the recreated Cosquer Cave, where prehistoric paintings tell stories from 30,000 years ago. With Stay + Do’s booking engine, agents can pair this with a visit to the Mucem, the award-winning museum of Mediterranean civilisations, and a self-guided walking tour of the Panier district, weaving early human history into the living fabric of the modern city.

Here, summer is not only for beaches, but for discovering culture, layered across millennia.

Provence in Autumn: A season to savour

As vines swell with harvest and Provence’s villages glow ochre in the low light, autumn in France tastes of time itself.

Travellers can begin with a Provence tour from Aix-en-Provence, exploring markets in Roussillon and Gordes, wandering the Fontaine de Vaucluse, and standing before the Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct, still defiant after 2,000 years. In Les Baux de Provence, medieval stone houses whisper their own stories, while on Sundays, the markets of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue overflow with antiques and colour.

To deepen the experience, agents can book an Aix-en-Provence walking tour, tracing Cézanne’s footsteps past fountains, cathedrals, and brasseries where Hemingway once lingered. Autumn here is more than scenery, it’s a dialogue between art, history, and the rhythms of the harvest.

France in Winter: Festive and Alpine

Winter draws travellers in two directions: into the mountains and into the warm embrace of Parisian culture.

For some, the pull is Chamonix, a place of snowy peaks and Olympic history. Stay + Do connects agents to walking tours of Chamonix’s historic centre, where guides tell of early alpinists, wartime resistance, and the birth of winter sports. The Alpine Museum and panoramic Mont Blanc views complete the picture.

For others, winter is about sheltering inside. Here, Stay + Do’s Louvre Museum walking tour offers a different kind of wonder: a slow afternoon among masterpieces, from the Mona Lisa’s quiet smile to the grandeur of French neoclassicism.

Between mountain air and museum walls, winter in France holds both spectacle and intimacy.

Turn seasons into stories for your travellers

The same country can be four different journeys, each season reshaping its art, history, and landscapes. For travel professionals, this opens endless possibilities. Stay + Do makes it simple: book accommodation, then add seasonal activities in a seamless flow. 

Because in the end, seasonal travel isn’t about filling dates in a calendar. It’s about giving travellers the France that will matter most to them, whether that’s Monet’s blossoms in spring, Marseille’s prehistory in summer, Provence’s markets in autumn, or Chamonix’s peaks in winter.

Turn every season into a story worth remembering. Explore Stay + Do on the StayGlobal platform today.

The post The Art of Seasonal Travel in France first appeared on Global Accommodation.

Not every traveller is searching for the same story. Some want adrenaline, others quiet restoration. Some want to trace the roots of empires or spend quality time as a family, while others follow their taste buds from country to country. 

The challenge for today’s travel professionals isn’t just booking rooms, it’s unlocking the right experience for the right traveller. 

Stay + Do helps you do just that. 

Travel that lives beyond the itinerary

Stay + Do is a game-changing feature built directly into the StayGlobal platform. It gives travel agents access to thousands of curated, commissionable experiences across 785 destinations in 128 countries, each one chosen to help travellers do more than just stay. 

With new experiences added weekly, Stay + Do keeps every itinerary fresh, vibrant, and completely personal.

From spa seekers to thrill chasers, the platform empowers travel professionals to build truly immersive itineraries with confidence.

The Food Lovers in Madrid

Cape Town couple Ingrid and Markus are passionate about exploring cultures through cuisine. For their trip to Madrid, their agent uses Stay + Do to fill the itinerary with unforgettable flavour.

• Walking Tapas Tour in La Latina: They sample local favourites in hidden tavernas while their guide shares stories of Madrid’s culinary heritage.
• Vermouth and Artisan Cheese Tasting: A curated experience in a historic bodega introduces them to Spain’s aperitivo culture.
• Paella Cooking Class with Rooftop Dining: They learn to craft the perfect paella with a local chef, ending the evening with cityscape views and good wine.

The Family First Troupe in Paris

For the Pillay family, a successful trip balances fun, learning, and a little indulgence. Paris delivers, and their agent uses Stay + Do to blend big sights with child-friendly experiences.

• Seine River Cruise: A relaxed way to view Parisian landmarks and rest tired feet.
• Montmartre Pastry Workshop: Hands-on baking fun that sweetens their Parisian memories.
• Eiffel Tower Fast Track & City Tour: No long waits and plenty of flexible sightseeing with hop-on-hop-off access.

The Wellness Traveller in Budapest

Zanele escapes the chaos of city life with a soulful retreat to Europe’s spa capital. Her agent selects calming, restorative experiences through Stay + Do.

• Yoga on Margaret Island: A peaceful, private session surrounded by nature.
• Széchenyi Thermal Baths Visit: Soothing waters and grand architecture offer timeless relaxation.
• Mineral Mud Spa Ritual: A treatment using Hungary’s renowned healing mud reconnects her to body and soul.

The Amateur Historian in Rome

Alex wants more than sightseeing—he wants depth. His Roman holiday with Stay + Do brings the past vividly into focus.

• Colosseum Guided Tour: With a historian guide, the ruins come alive with tales of gladiators and emperors.
• Skip-the-Line Vatican Exploration: Art and history collide in one of the world’s richest museums.
• Ancient Rome Walking Tour at Dusk: As the city glows, stories of intrigue and empire unfold in the very streets where history happened.

Powered by Global Accommodation, designed for you

Every traveller is different. That’s what makes your job exciting. But it’s also what makes it complex. Stay + Do is here to help you create more value with less effort—by simplifying the way experiences are found, booked, and delivered.

• Book local activities directly after selecting accommodation—in one seamless workflow
• Access expert guides, curated suggestions, and real-time support
• Offer personalised itineraries that transform standard bookings into extraordinary journeys

Whether your client is visiting Madrid, Budapest, Paris, Rome, or exploring any part of the world, Stay + Do helps you meet their curiosity with confidence.

Explore the benefits of Stay + Do, or learn more about the StayGlobal platform and how it can work for you.

The post An Adventure for Every Type of Traveller first appeared on Global Accommodation.

So booking a hotel and hoping it meets all expectations no longer cuts it, because travellers aren’t chasing tourist checklists anymore. They’re after stories, flavours and connections … the moments that linger long after unpacking. 

Global Accommodation’s Stay + Do was created precisely because of that need for travel that does more, to unlock not just a destination but everything that makes it magical. 

Travel that feels like a discovery

Stay + Do lets travel professionals pair accommodation with handpicked, high-quality local experiences—effortlessly. Whether your clients are city explorers, food lovers, culture chasers or adventure seekers, this feature gives you a single, streamlined way to connect them to the heartbeat of the places they’re visiting.

Instead of spending hours cobbling together activities from scattered sources, you can now:

• Book top-rated experiences alongside hotels in one smooth workflow
• Choose from thousands of activities in hundreds of destinations
• Craft deeply personalised trips for every kind of traveller

By bundling hotel stays with curated local activities in a single booking journey, Stay + Do becomes a powerful hotel and activity booking platform designed to unlock a destination’s heart, not just its highlights.

The result isn’t just a smarter itinerary—it’s a more joyful, immersive holiday for your clients.

Why Stay + Do works for today’s traveller

Modern travellers are focused on creating memorable, meaningful moments, and they’re turning to travel professionals to help them get it right. That’s where Stay + Do shines.

Rather than simply offering a place to sleep, you’re giving your clients a chance to truly connect with a destination. Stay + Do is the key to adding more value to every booking, without increasing the workload. Travellers enjoy:

Convenience: Less time searching, more time doing.

Curated quality: Activities are handpicked for their local relevance and popularity.

Personalisation: Travel professionals can tailor every itinerary to the traveller’s interests.

From urban city breaks to cultural retreats, you now get to meet your traveller’s desire for authenticity with ease. 

Itineraries that offer travellers more than a destination

At Global Accommodation, we believe that every great itinerary is made not just from where you stay, but what you do while you’re there.

With Stay + Do, travel professionals can access:

• Flexible booking that allows for activities and accommodation in one place
• Thousands of experiences tailored to every destination and interest
• Itinerary-building tools that streamline planning and enhance your offering
• Real-time booking visibility and expert backup from Stay Specialists

With Stay + Do, you’re able to craft bespoke itineraries that feel curated, book with confidence that’s backed by trusted activity partners, and offer more value in every quote without adding complexity. 

Creating travel experiences has become about helping your clients discover more. We’ve simplified travel activity booking so that you can spend less time searching and more time crafting meaningful experiences, taking your clients beyond the brochure and into the real magic of travel.

The future of travel is immersive

In a world where everyone has access to hotel reviews and flight deals, the difference lies in how a trip makes someone feel. That’s what keeps clients coming back—and that’s what Stay + Do was built for.

More than a feature, it’s a mindset: that travel should be exciting, effortless, and deeply personal.

Explore the power of Stay + Do or speak to a Stay Specialist today to start curating unforgettable experiences.

The post Unlock Travel Beyond the Room Key with Stay + Do first appeared on Global Accommodation.

For corporate travellers, a hotel is more than just a place to sleep—it’s their office, dining room, gym, and sometimes even their boardroom. As such, the success of a business trip often hinges on choosing the right accommodation. 

With the rise of bleisure travel, business travellers seek stays that seamlessly blend business and leisure. Travel agents who understand this shift can unlock new opportunities by curating experiences that cater to both productivity and relaxation.

Business or leisure? A new type of traveller

The lines between business and leisure travel have blurred. Professionals—whether they’re executives, consultants, remote workers, or digital nomads—are extending their trips (or mixing up the work day) to explore new destinations, unwind, and make the most of their time away. For these travellers, “work-life integration” is no longer just a buzzword, it’s a key motivator for modern business travellers who prioritise experiences alongside efficiency.

These travellers aren’t just looking for convenience; they seek accommodation that caters to both their professional needs and personal interests. Seamless travel arrangements, premium Wi-Fi, leisure-friendly itineraries, and flexible workspaces are no longer optional extras but essentials. 

So how do you, as a travel agent, strike the right balance between work and play when recommending accommodations?

Crafting the perfect bleisure itinerary

Planning a bleisure trip that makes accommodation the centre of a larger adventure map requires a thoughtful approach. It starts with understanding the traveller. How much time will be spent working rather than exploring? What amenities do they need to stay productive? 

Choosing the right destination is just as crucial, it should offer both a strong business infrastructure and appealing leisure options. Cities with vibrant cultural scenes, accessible outdoor activities, and efficient transport links tend to rank highly.

Accommodation plays a defining role in the success of a bleisure trip. Hotels that offer co-working spaces, high-speed internet, and wellness facilities cater perfectly to this growing segment. Boutique hotels may provide a more personalised experience, while major chains offer consistency and extensive business services. But the destination isn’t all that matters; how travellers get there is just as important. Flexible flight options and seamless local transportation—whether through rental cars, public transit passes, or chauffeur services—need to be central to your travel itinerary to ensure smooth transitions between work commitments and downtime.

What makes a business-ready stay?

A truly bleisure-friendly hotel must provide more than just a comfortable bed. Business travellers need dedicated workspaces. In-room desks, business lounges, access to local co-working hubs, meeting rooms, and reliable high-speed internet—the non-negotiable features of a business-ready stay look a little different from a regular holiday-goer’s. 

But these “office” features are just the start of a business-ready stay. The key to successful bleisure travel is integrating cultural experiences and leisure travel into business activities. Otherwise, the trip will become nothing more than a corporate stay. 

You can enhance a traveller’s stay by finding curated experiences such as city tours, exclusive dining spots, or access to cultural events to supplement the experience. Amid the rush and pressure of the business hustle, wellness has become another growing priority, with spas, fitness centres, and calming spaces like yoga sessions and hiking trails playing as central a role as a reliable charging port in the breakfast nook. 

The Global Accommodation advantage

Bleisure is about crafting balanced experiences, something that’s a lot easier with the right partner. Which is exactly what we are. Global Accommodation offers expertise in crafting stays that meet both the corporate and leisure needs of bleisure travellers. 

Through the StayGlobal platform, travel agents can access instant quotes, manage seamless bookings, and handle billing efficiently. With a worldwide network of premium business-friendly hotels, agents can secure competitive rates while ensuring their clients enjoy well-rounded, stress-free travel experiences.

From last-minute itinerary adjustments to personalised hotel recommendations, Global Accommodation provides a wealth of services along with the tools and support agents needed to craft ideal bleisure trips. By embracing this growing trend, travel professionals can elevate their services, creating itineraries that offer the best of both worlds.

Start mixing business and adventure for your travellers

Bleisure travel is no longer just a niche trend—it’s shaping the future of corporate travel. Travelling professionals today need an environment that supports productivity, efficiency, and comfort all at once. 

By understanding the evolving needs of business travellers and curating seamless work-play experiences, you can enhance your service and deliver exceptional experiences. 

Talk to us to start crafting unforgettable business adventures. Or, request an accommodation quote to get pricing right away.

The post Bleisure Travel Made Simple first appeared on Global Accommodation.

Because we love being African travel agents, we’re taking a dive into the heart of ecotourism in Africa, highlighting our top 3 ecotourism attractions on the continent. These attractions are so much more than just ecotourism accommodation: they offer breathtaking experiences that will live on in your clients’ memories while also contributing to the preservation of our planet’s natural wonders. 

What is ecotourism and why is ecotourism in Africa important?

We’re excited to share our top ecotourism attractions with you, but before we do, let’s make sure that we are all aligned with the meaning of ecotourism itself. In short, ecotourism goes beyond the definition of traditional tourism by emphasising responsible travel to natural and protected areas. Above all else, it seeks to minimise the negative impact of travel on the environment while cultivating a deep appreciation for conservation efforts and the upliftment of local communities. Ecotourism is a great way for travellers to explore pristine natural environments while actively contributing to their protection. 

Why Africa? The continent is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife species in the world, many of which are threatened or endangered. The boom in ecotourism in Africa helps to provide funding, much of which is directed into conservation efforts. Furthermore, ecotourism also has the potential to promote sustainable development in rural areas of Africa. It does this by providing opportunities for local communities to generate income through tourism-related activities such as guiding, hospitality and handicraft production. And when local residents are economically empowered through ecotourism, they are less likely to depend on unsustainable practices like wildlife poaching or deforestation for income.  

Our Pick: The Top 3 Ecotourism Attractions in Africa

1. andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve – Rhino Conservation Experiences

Phinda sets the standard for ecotourism in South Africa. For the eco-conscious, this well-known reserve offers much more than spectacular safaris. Visitors to Phinda have the unique opportunity to participate in the reserve’s rhino conservation efforts, including monitoring and tracking, notching and even dehorning. In partnership with Africa Foundation, Phinda uplifts its neighbouring communities, promoting local employment and investing in the education and welfare of the community.

2. Shamwari Game Reserve – Vulture Breeding Program

Made famous by the Netflix series Shamwari Untamed, this game reserve is the poster child for the Netflix Effect in tourism. Beyond that, Shamwari Game Reserve also stands as a shining beacon of vulture conservation. Vulpro @ Shamwari offers a safe, well-balanced ecosystem for both in-situ and ex-situ conservation programmes and provides financial support and sustainability. Most importantly, it limits the risk of having the largest captive breeding population of vultures concentrated in one location. As an added bonus, Shamwari’s anti-poaching unit provides optimal security for these precious birds.

3. Okavango Delta – Sustainable Tourism

Looking for ecotourism in Botswana? Then look no further than the Okavango Delta. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, the Delta is famous for its unparalleled biodiversity and pristine landscape. Travellers here have the option of participating in walking safaris and mokoro (traditional canoe) water tours, thereby cutting down on the noise and emissions caused by traditional vehicular safaris. By choosing sustainably-minded tour operators and ecotourism accommodation, visitors to the Delta have the opportunity to explore this unique place while supporting local conservation projects and sustainable jobs.

The Takeaway

As a travel agent, you play a pivotal role in sourcing and promoting sustainable travel experiences to your clients. And you have a great partner in that endeavour: at Global Accommodation, we understand the importance of responsible tourism just as clearly as you do. Just like you, we’re all about facilitating eco-friendly journeys. 

Our network of 150 Destination Management Companies helps us to offer ecotourism accommodation bookings, itinerary planning and expert guidance for all of the top ecotourism attractions in Africa. So don’t pass up the opportunity to make use of our services. Together, we can make a positive impact on our beautiful planet while enabling unforgettable travel experiences. 

The post Ecotourism in Africa: Our Top 3 Ecotourism Attractions to Recommend to Travellers first appeared on Global Accommodation.

Decoding Millennial travel preferences

Customer experience matters

Millennials, who are known for their emphasis on experiences, are finding that vacation rental properties often fall short in delivering satisfactory customer experiences. One key factor is the lack of full-time staff at these properties. For Millennials, customer satisfaction is paramount, and any issues that cannot be swiftly resolved tarnish their stays. This has led them to seek the reliability and support offered by travel agents.

The mixed bag of vacation rental property owners

When choosing between vacation rentals vs travel agents, the unpredictability of vacation rental property owners adds another layer of uncertainty for Millennials. Relying on reviews alone does not guarantee a seamless experience, as the best properties are often booked far in advance. This uncertainty prompts Millennials to opt for the expertise and personalised service that travel agents can provide, offering a level of assurance that vacation rental properties may lack.

Distrust in global corporations

Millennials are showing a growing distrust of large global corporations, and this sentiment extends to the popular vacation rental platform, Airbnb. As Millennials seek authenticity and a connection to local communities, they are more inclined to support local businesses. Travel agents, often representing local agencies, align with this Millennial preference for supporting smaller, more community-oriented enterprises.

How you can accommodate Millennial travel preferences:

Exceptional customer service

One of the primary reasons Millennials are turning to travel agents is the promise of excellent customer service. Unlike the impersonal nature of many vacation rental platforms, you, the travel agent, can provide a more human touch. Millennials appreciate that you are readily available to address concerns, answer questions, and ensure a smooth travel experience.

Valuable recommendations

Travel agents leverage their expertise to offer valuable recommendations tailored to individual preferences. Whether it’s suggesting unique local experiences, hidden gems, or the best dining options, you go beyond the generic suggestions often found on vacation rental platforms.

Diverse accommodation options 

As a travel agent, you have access to a wide range of accommodation options that travellers may not have considered themselves. This opens up possibilities for unique stays, boutique hotels, and lesser-known gems that might not be readily available through mainstream booking platforms.

Emergency support

In the unpredictable world of travel, emergencies can arise. Travel agents like you play a crucial role in providing emergency support, offering peace of mind to travellers. Whether it’s a missed flight, a sudden change in plans, or unforeseen challenges, having a reliable contact for assistance can make a significant difference.

So, why do Millennials use travel agents?

The Millennial shift from vacation rentals to travel agents reflects a desire for a more personalised, reliable, and community-oriented travel experience. With a focus on customer service, valuable recommendations, diverse accommodation options, and emergency support, travel agents are regaining popularity among the Millennial generation. 

As Millennials joyfully embrace the personalised and authentic experiences offered by travel agents, a key ally emerges to further elevate their adventures – Global Accommodation. As the perfect partner for travel agents like you, Global Accommodation aligns seamlessly with the desires of Millennial travellers, providing an extensive array of accommodation options that cater to their diverse tastes and preferences. 

With this dynamic collaboration between you and Global Accommodation, you can effortlessly meet the ever-evolving needs of Millennial wanderers, ensuring that each journey becomes not just a trip but a tailor-made, unforgettable experience.

The post Do Millennials use travel agents? You bet they do! first appeared on Global Accommodation.

Unlike traditional travel, which often involves rushing from one tourist hotspot to another, slow travel encourages a more immersive and deliberate exploration of destinations. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what the slow travel trend is all about, how it differs from traditional travel, and why we think travel agents like you should embrace it. We’ll also provide insights into how you can incorporate the slow travel philosophy into your service offering.

What is Slow Travel?

Slow travel is a mindset and a travel style that prioritises quality over quantity. It’s about savouring the journey just as much as the slow travel destination, fostering a deeper connection with the places visited, and engaging with the local culture and environment. Slow travellers aim to break away from the rushed pace of conventional tourism and immerse themselves in the unique rhythm of each location they explore. They do this practically by avoiding over-commercialised tourist attractions, and seeking out experiences off the beaten track.

How is Slow Travel Different from Traditional Travel?

1. Pace: The most apparent difference between slow travel and traditional travel is the pace. While traditional travel often involves checking off as many attractions as possible in a short time, slow travel and tourism encourages a more leisurely approach. Travellers spend more time in fewer locations, allowing for a more profound understanding of the local culture.
2. Cultural Engagement: Slow travel emphasises cultural engagement. Instead of merely sightseeing, slow travellers aim to interact with locals, participate in cultural activities, and gain a deeper appreciation of the slow travel destination’s heritage.
3. Accommodation: Slow travellers prefer locally owned accommodations off the beaten path rather than large chain hotels. This choice not only supports the local economy, but also provides a more authentic and intimate travel experience.
4. Culinary Experiences: Food plays a significant role in slow travel and tourism. Slow travellers seek out unique culinary experiences and savour local dishes, often exploring local markets and dining at family-run eateries.

Benefits of Embracing Slow Travel for Travel Agents

Travel agents who embrace the slow travel trend can tap into a growing market of travellers seeking more meaningful experiences. Here are some benefits for travel agents:

1. Client Satisfaction: Slow travel and tourism often leads to more profound and memorable experiences for clients, resulting in higher satisfaction and increased word-of-mouth referrals.
2. Differentiation: Embracing slow travel can set travel agents apart from competitors, showcasing a commitment to providing unique and authentic experiences.
3. Sustainability: Slow travel and tourism aligns with sustainable tourism principles, promoting responsible travel that minimises environmental impact.

How Travel Agents Can Embrace Slow Travel

Now that we’ve established the importance of slow travel, here are some practical ways that you can incorporate this trend into your services:

1. Include Unique Cultural Experiences: Craft itineraries that go beyond the usual tourist attractions. Incorporate cultural workshops, local festivals, and opportunities to connect with indigenous communities.
2. Encourage Longer Stays: Advocate for clients to spend more time in fewer locations. Diminishing time spent travelling between locations maximises time spent in one place and allows for a deeper exploration of each slow travel destination.
3. Partner with Local Experts: Collaborate with local travel experts who have an in-depth knowledge of the destination. Got clients who want to slow travel Africa? Consider partnerships with companies like Global Accommodation – we’re known for our expertise in African travel.
4. Highlight Culinary Experiences: Promote the slow travel destination’s culinary scene. Offer options for clients to participate in cooking classes, food tours, and tastings. Top tip: chat to our team at Global Accomodation about arranging a pre-paid local meal at your client’s accommodation!
5. Choose Locally Owned Accommodations: Partner with accommodation providers like Global Accommodation to find the perfect  “slow stays” at locally owned properties. These accommodations offer an authentic and immersive experience.

In conclusion, embracing the slow travel and tourism trend can be a game-changer for travel agents. This not only caters to the evolving preferences of travellers, but also aligns with sustainable and responsible tourism practices. By incorporating unique cultural experiences, encouraging longer stays, partnering with local experts, and highlighting both culinary delights and locally owned accommodations, you can provide your clients with unforgettable journeys that go beyond the ordinary. And with partners like Global Accommodation, you have the tools you need to offer diverse, slow travel and tourism experiences that cater to a wide range of preferences and desires.

The post What is slow travel? A guide for travel agents first appeared on Global Accommodation.

As a travel agent, it’s crucial to recognise the significant impact of streaming services and the diverse cultural content they offer. These platforms have the remarkable ability to transcend borders, igniting a sense of wanderlust in individuals worldwide. The captivating South African stories showcased on Netflix have struck a chord with viewers, inspiring a deep desire to engage in film tourism in South Africa.

By tapping into this trend, you can position yourself as an expert in South African travel experiences, offering tailored itineraries that immerse your clients in the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich heritage of Mzansi firsthand.

Viewers are getting inspiration for safari destinations from Netflix

In light of the findings, SA Tourism and Netflix recognised the potential of collaborating to leverage locally-generated narratives as a means to promote international travel to the region and encourage film tourism in South Africa. With the aim of providing a unique and immersive experience to audiences worldwide, they embarked on an investigation of collaborative options.

The result of their collaboration was the creation of a special selection titled ‘Made in South Africa’ on Netflix. This selection was strategically curated to showcase the diverse and captivating narratives originating from South Africa. It aimed to capture the attention of more than 209 million viewers hailing from approximately 190 countries.

Given the past travel restrictions and limitations, the ‘Made in South Africa’ selection offered viewers a form of escapism and exploration from the comfort of their own homes — an experience often referred to as ‘armchair travel’.

Among the prominent titles featured in the selection were “Penguin Town” and “My Octopus Teacher.” These documentaries served as captivating showcases of the marine wildlife found in and around Simon’s Town, located in the Cape region of South Africa. “Penguin Town” provided a delightful glimpse into the lives of the adorable African penguins that inhabit the area, while “My Octopus Teacher” offered an awe-inspiring journey into the relationship between a filmmaker and an intelligent octopus.

South Africa is cashing in on the alternative safari trend

Thanks to these Netflix hits, the concept of a traditional safari is being redefined to encompass a broader range of experiences. In addition to the classic land-based wildlife expeditions, a new kind of adventure known as the alternative safari is gaining traction. For example, in False Bay, visitors can embark on unique marine safaris and indulge in kelp snorkelling. These captivating activities allow travellers to explore the mesmerising underwater world and witness the diverse marine life that thrives in the bay’s pristine waters.

For those who are still seeking a more traditional African safari experience, South Africa’s national parks offer unparalleled opportunities. With their vast landscapes and rich biodiversity, these protected areas provide an authentic encounter with Africa’s iconic wildlife as documented in breathtaking detail in series like “Shamwari Untamed”. From game drives to guided walking safaris, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty and majesty of the continent’s fauna and flora.

When it comes to finding accommodation from South African shows, Global Accommodation ensures that every traveller’s needs are met – whether they are yearning for an alternative safari experience or a traditional game drive featuring the Big 5. Regardless of whether your guests prefer to stay in the heart of the national parks, surrounded by nature’s wonders, or along the stunning coastal areas, Global Accommodation has you covered. From luxurious lodges to cosy campsites, we offer a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets – and we’ll even help you to personalise a travel package that your clients will love. Even when “roughing it,” guests can enjoy the comforts of luxury with custom extras, ensuring an unforgettable and tailored experience.

The post How the Netflix Effect is driving the demand for film tourism in South Africa first appeared on Global Accommodation.

South Africa tops the list

According to the latest data from Euromonitor International, South Africa emerged as the most popular destination in Africa in 2022, with a staggering 5.5 million trips and inbound arrivals.

Situated at the southernmost point of the continent, South Africa proudly showcases an exceptional collection of the most impeccably managed national parks and game reserves in Africa. Among them, the Kruger stands out as the undisputed champion, attracting the highest number of visitors. Additionally, the Addo Elephant National Park holds its own allure. South Africa’s cities offer captivating experiences, each possessing its distinctive ambiance and character. The vibrant pulse of Johannesburg contrasts with the relaxed charm of Cape Town, where the magnificent Table Mountain presides over the landscape, accompanied by the enchanting wineries of Stellenbosch in close proximity.

Following the concerns surrounding past travel restrictions, it is comforting to witness South Africa experiencing a resurgence in demand, as numerous travellers eagerly seek flights and reinstate the destination on their coveted bucket lists. Modern city hubs like Cape Town and Johannesburg make South Africa one of the best countries to visit in Africa for business travellers. These cities boast modern airports, efficient transportation systems, and well-maintained road networks, making it convenient for business travellers to navigate and commute within the country.

Beyond the best countries to visit in Southern Africa, there’s a whole continent left to explore

As per Euromonitor International’s Voice of the Consumer Survey for African Markets, travellers in search of diverse holiday experiences in Africa prioritise relaxation, safety, nature, and outdoor activities. This highlights their preference for destinations that offer stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and thrilling outdoor adventures, reflecting the allure of Africa’s natural beauty.

From vibrant cities like Lagos and Nairobi to emerging business hubs like Addis Ababa and Accra, Africa offers a wealth of possibilities for business professionals seeking to expand their networks and explore new markets. For business travellers, the best countries to visit in Africa are those that are making significant investments in developing their business infrastructure, providing modern facilities, high-speed internet connectivity, and well-equipped conference centres.

Spanning as the second-largest and second most-populous continent on our planet, Africa captivates with its 54 mainland countries and island nations, each possessing a rich tapestry of history, heritage, and culture. This diversity forms a key aspect of the allure of travelling across Africa.

Along the continent’s extensive coastline, travellers can discover breathtaking beaches and rugged cliffs, while venturing into the expansive interior reveals a remarkable array of landscapes, ranging from mountains and deserts to tropical rainforests and the mighty Nile River. Scattered throughout these varied terrains, travellers will encounter astounding historical sites, secluded villages, and bustling metropolises, creating a captivating mosaic of experiences to be explored.

Your top partner for African accommodation assistance

With such high demand and so much to sell, there are definite perks to being a travel agent in Africa.

Africa, as a continent of remarkable diversity, calls for a personalised approach when it comes to accommodation. At Global Accommodation, we recognise this fact better than anyone else.

We cater to a wide range of clients, including large multinational corporations and small independent businesses, and our track record speaks for itself when it comes to sourcing accommodations that precisely align with their unique requirements. Whether your clients need the exclusivity of a Luxury African safari lodge or the practicality of affordable group accommodation, we deliver the best-fit solution. 

If you aspire to excel as a top African Travel Agent, the smart choice is clear: forge a partnership with Global Accommodation for unrivalled success and simplicity. We will assist you in curating journeys that will leave a lasting imprint on your clients’ memories for years to come.

Contact us to start your journey today!

The post Our take on the best countries to visit in Africa first appeared on Global Accommodation.

In a world where clients can customise their luggage, phone cases or clothing – why wouldn’t that extend to travel experiences?

Thanks to our interconnectedness, it’s become easier to see what global adventures could be a bucket-list item in the future. Any travel professional knows the importance of being able to stay ahead of the travel trends, knowing the market and providing your clients with services they don’t even know about yet. In the current climate, streamlined and personalised travel experiences are a must. You don’t have to check in the same way you did ten years ago, so why would you want the same kind of holiday?

Make it work for us

As we know, parting with your hard-earned money in this economy means you want more value for your cash. Regardless of generational gaps, the client has become more discerning. You have Gen Z clients who often disregard the traditional 9 to 5 job for a life of work and travel, and Gen X customers who are starting to think about the life they want post-retirement. The past three years have created a sense of urgency and purpose.

Let’s get personal 

To put it plainly, having out-of-this-world adventures are no longer a luxury. The usual travel package offering is being redefined as clients want a more do-it-yourself approach. They’re scouring the internet, seeing what’s on offer and want that translated into travel marketing too.

This means catering to niche lifestyles, like sustainable city tours with fully plant-based catering, or an eco-friendly accommodation spot, and that could include visiting or volunteering at an animal sanctuary.

Personalisation can also look like taking an ancestral tour back to your family’s homeland and getting to know more about the area’s history and how it intertwines with your lineage.  Immersive, sustainable and thoughtful travel is key and has to be adapted to suit each client.

We’re seeing buzzwords floating about like low-impact, low-cost and high value. The client is aware of their impact on the environment and how much they’re spending and wants to know how their money benefits the local economy. In short, the client is surrounded by personalised services in their day-to-day life, from delivery to healthcare and wants those services to extend to all their activities – including their travel experiences.

Being able to provide customised travel experiences is one way to keep a customer and ensure you have returning clientele in the future. But as with most things, it can be tough to know where to start.

What’s the solution?

Adapting is key 

The reality is the need for personalised travel and accommodation experiences is here to stay and will continue to form part of the industry experience. Clients want to feel special and get special treatment instead of just becoming another number. Travel agents are the first point of contact and have the unique opportunity to completely transform a client’s experience. Being able to personalise the entire consumer journey, from private airport transfers, and boutique accommodation to 24/7 emergency support, is what the trend forecasting predicts.

Ultimately, the convenience and exceptional service clients receive is why they work with travel agents. The integral part that travel professionals play means having top-notch support is one way to make any aspect of your job easier. From our expert Global StaySpecialists on hand to assist, to the flexible Corporate or Leisure Stay options – we’ve got your back.

The post The importance of personalisation in accommodation bookings first appeared on Global Accommodation.