South African Tourism’s second Mega Lekker Escape has successfully showcased the country to 100 Australian and New Zealand travel agents and media, strengthening its position as a must-visit destination.
Designed to boost visitation and drive bookings, the large-scale familiarisation event combined immersive travel experiences with industry training, equipping agents with first-hand knowledge to confidently sell South Africa to their clients.
A hands-on experience to drive future sales
Spanning seven provinces, the Mega Lekker Escape—with lekker meaning “nice” or “enjoyable” in Afrikaans—offered a deep dive into South Africa’s culture, conservation efforts, and diverse tourism offerings. Travel agents explored iconic and lesser-known regions, participating in activities that connected them with the country’s people, landscapes, and wildlife.
Participants engaged in a range of meaningful experiences, including a rhino rescue mission, a visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, and a jewellery-making workshop supporting vocational training in Wolmer township. These encounters not only provided a richer understanding of the destination but also highlighted South Africa’s commitment to sustainable tourism and inclusive economic participation.
Results that translate into bookings
The initiative has already proven to be a success, with last year’s Mega Lekker Escape delivering real results—90 per cent of agents who participated booked trips to South Africa within a year. With a 10 per cent increase in trade and media participants this year, South African Tourism expects even greater momentum in 2025.
At the two-day training event at Sun City, agents met with South African trade partners, solidifying industry connections that will drive future travel bookings. The event included one-on-one meetings, networking opportunities, and entertainment from South African comedians Schalk Bezuidenhout and Ndumiso Lindi. A farewell lunch on the luxurious Rovos Rail capped off the experience, leaving a lasting impression on participants.
A crucial step in South Africa’s tourism recovery
With international travel rebounding, the Mega Lekker Escape plays a vital role in ensuring South Africa remains top of mind for Australian and New Zealand travellers. South African Tourism’s Chief Operating Officer, Darryl Erasmus, highlighted the initiative’s importance in strengthening the trade network.
“We lost many agents with destination expertise during the pandemic, and first-hand experience is the key to bridging that gap,” Erasmus said.
“The Mega Lekker Escape not only equips agents with the confidence to sell South Africa but also supports sustainable and community-based tourism, ensuring that travel benefits all South Africans.”
Australian and New Zealand visitation on the rise
Australia and New Zealand are proving to be strong markets for South Africa. In 2024, Australian visitor numbers reached 88.8 per cent of pre-Covid levels, a 14.3 per cent increase on the previous year. New Zealand exceeded pre-pandemic figures, delivering over 20,000 visitors—25 per cent higher than before Covid.
With more travel agents now armed with first-hand experience, South African Tourism anticipates continued growth in visitation from Australasia, reinforcing the Mega Lekker Escape as a key driver in the country’s tourism recovery.
