Dennis Basham is the Managing Director – Australia for Exoticca, an online travel company offering curated, multi-destination guided tours with a focus on comfort, cultural immersion, and affordability.
Their Africa tours span a diverse range of experiences, from the iconic wildlife safaris of Kenya and Tanzania to the historic landscapes of Egypt, the scenic wonders of South Africa, and the desert allure of Morocco. Each itinerary blends must-see landmarks with unique local encounters, including game drives in national parks, visits to ancient ruins, and cultural interactions.
Exoticca packages typically include flights, accommodation, transfers, and guided excursions, making it easy for travellers to explore Africa’s rich heritage and natural beauty with confidence and convenience.
Dennis is someone you need to get to know so Africa Beat sat down with him for a chat.
What is your job description and what does your role involve?
Exoticca has been in operation for 13+ years, however only launched in the Australian market towards the end of 2024 when I joined. This has meant my main focus has been to grow our brand awareness within the Australian market, and to grow sales from our valued travel advisors. Exoticca is a B2B operator, offering 300+ flexible small group & private tours to 70+ destinations.
Which parts of the travel industry do you work with?
Our main focus is working with and supporting travel advisors. However to connect with them we work across all trade media channels, attend industry events, conferences and expos. We focus on supporting all retail, home-based and OTA’s.
What do you love most about your job?
I really enjoy talking and working with all agencies, big and small, to learn more about their business, their clients, their niche and how they are marketing themselves and various products. It is fascinating to then see how we can offer value and support to them to grow their business. I see my role as doing all I can to make Exoticca super easy to work with.
What are the challenges of your role?
I love a good challenge! Australian based travel advisors have access to so much product to sell. The biggest challenge for any tour operator is to break through the clutter, work out how to get agents to think of you when quoting for their clients. As a tour operator who only sells via the travel trade, we are 100% reliant on travel advisors putting our trips forward for their clients to consider. This can be a challenge, however we also know that once they do their clients have a wonderful experience and will return. It is just getting into the mix initially!
What do you wish the travel industry did more of?
We work in the best industry, we are friends with our perceived competitors, we share information, we work hard and play hard together. What I wish our industry had more time to do was review and give new and smaller players the time and energy to discover new products to offer to their clients. Remembering, we can assist them to stand out and offer something new and exciting.
How can the travel industry work with you?
Exoticca only sells via the trade in Australia, so we encourage agents to register at advisors.exoticca.com/au from there they will be invited to attend an onboarding training call to learn more about Exoticca and how to make a booking in less than 10 minutes, air included if required! And, for attending this call, we offer a BONUS $100 Amazon voucher upon making their first booking, as a thank you! We also encourage advisors to invite us to attend their conferences and travel expos, as we are here to help convert sales for you!
What is your favourite African experience and why?
Africa is a continent I’ve not travelled too much previously, yet, however I’ve visited South Africa and Egypt. Both trips were incredible and extremely memorable for many reasons. South Africa was a highlight, spending a few nights at Sir Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Game Reserve is Sabi Sands was an experience I will never ever forget.
Where is your next African adventure to?
Luckily, I get to head back to South Africa towards the end of this year. I am still working on a post conference Exoticca trip, however I am hoping to make time to explore Kenya, as it has been a bucket list destination of mine.
What are your top tips for travelling to Africa?
For Australian’s it can seem a long way to travel to anywhere in Africa, however that never stops us as you know! My biggest suggestion would be to not force your clients to cram too much into one trip. Unless they have months and months to travel of course! Break it
down so they are getting time to experience each region and destinations properly. Multiple trips will likely be needed in many cases, however it will be worth it and your clients will thank you. Have an open mind, be open to learning about their incredible history, diversity and culture, and try all the food!
Contact Dennis
Company Email: dennis.basham@exoticca.com
Company Website: https://advisors.exoticca.com/au/travel-advisors
