Meeting News - November 10, 2008 - (Page 4G)

unveiling. “When we got to the school, the kids were singing their hearts out in appreciation,” Mitrovich says. “They had to bring out three wheelbarrows to manage all the gifts the attendees had brought them. When they turned the tap and water ran out, it was like bringing life back to the community.” The incentive group then set to work, planting a large lawn and trees, painting classrooms, and helping to start a vegetable garden. That evening, the last night of their journey, the exhausted attendees had dinner outdoors in a boma and talked about nothing except their visit to the village. The moral of this story: Luxury is a given on incentives, but adding a little local contact can sometimes be the greatest reward of all. ● AN ITINERARY FOR EVERY GROUP N o matter which destinations planners choose or what the budget allows, it is possible to create an itinerary that will more than please meeting or incentive attendees. Margi Biggs, managing director of the Cape Town-based Specialized Tours & Events, has an easy explanation. “Guests from the United States are amazed at the cleanliness of our cities, the welldeveloped communications system, the outstanding friendly service, the wonderful weather, and the excellent quality and value for money of our wine and our restaurants,” she says. “South Africa really is ‘A World in One Country,’ where clients can enjoy first-world arrangements in an African setting.” Sally Armontrout, who works with proposal development and industry relations for Maritz Travel Company in Fenton, Missouri, says, “For many people, South Africa programs are the dream of a lifetime. Some clients have chosen to go there repeatedly, which is very unusual in the incentive market. It is simply because the experience is that outstanding: the lodges, the great variety of activities, the exceptional evening options, and the super service all combine to create a lasting memory for guests.” IMAGINATIVE INCENTIVE Six-night luxury incentive trip Show your attendees sophisticated South Africa, with Cape Town and the lush Winelands of the Western Cape. Then sweep them off to a Kruger Private Reserve, where luxurious game lodges abound and superior, up-close game viewing awaits your guests. This itinerary was suggested by Maritz Travel Company. Day 1: Attendees arrive in Cape Town; welcome dinner. Day 2: Tour Cape Town with a ride on the tram to the top of Table Mountain for amazing views of the peninsula. Day 3: Leisurely Winelands Tour followed by lunch and a tasting at one of the wine estates. Days 4-6: Fly to Johannesburg and on to one of the Kruger Private Reserves, then two or three full days of game drives, walking safaris, stargazing outings, and luxurious meals at one of the superb private game lodges. Day 7: After breakfast and a morning game drive, start the journey home. INCENTIVE WITH A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE Six-night luxury incentive trip Interaction with the locals was a beloved part of this incentive, which included Cape Town and Kruger. This itinerary was suggested by Springbok Atlas Events. Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town; evening entertainment with local musicians and artisans. Day 2: Township tour; culinary and vineyard tour; choice of golf or spa; dinner at a boutique winery. Day 3: Choice of cycling or winery visits; evening dine around. Day 4: Flight to Johannesburg (with wine tasting), then on to Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve via vintage aircraft. Days 5 and 6: Game drives plus village visit. Day 7: Departure. GETTING THERE South African Airways (SAA) offers the only daily non-stop flights to South Africa, departing from Washington, D.C.-area’s Dulles International Airport and arriving in Johannesburg 15 hours and 30 minutes later. SAA’s other daily departure, from New York’s JFK International Airport, flies direct to Johannesburg, with a stop in Dakar, Senegal, for a total travel time of 17 hours. No other carrier can match those times. Upon arriving in Johannesburg, travelers can continue on SAA to more than NOVEMBERcities, including popular South 25 major 2008 African destinations such as Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth, as well as to capitals throughout the continent. The airline’s fleet is one of the youngest, including the latest generation of fourengine Airbus aircraft for its intercontinental flights, and the Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A-319 for internal flights. Its 34 inches of legroom in economy class is an industry best. Its wine cellar in the sky is renowned for its selection of South Africa’s finest vintages. Small wonder, then, that SAA has been voted “Best Airline Into and Out of Africa” by the Official Airline Guide for 14 years 5 in a row.

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Meeting News - November 10, 2008

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