South African Tourism is going for a hat trick as it kicks off the third annual Ubuntu Awards. The competition challenges the travel industry to come up with an innovative way to market the destination in the UK.
The organisation that comes up with the winning proposal will be awarded £25 000 to help them transform their plan into reality. Individuals, large and small businesses and organisations within the travel and tourism industry are all eligible to enter. The closing date is September 27 and the campaign should be designed to launch in January 2011 – the peak booking month for South Africa.
Lebohang Mokhesi, UK Country Manager for South African Tourism, said: “Last year’s winners, Destinology, committed serious time and effort to their entry and to building their South Africa business – the rewards for them have been a significant increase in bookings for the destination.”
She continues, “Following the success of the World Cup in South Africa this year, we anticipate a surge in interest in holidays to our beautiful country. £25 000 to aid promotional activity during a key booking period is a gift horse that no travel company can afford to overlook – and with a new and improved judging process this year, we are sure the competition is going to be tough!”
The entries will be reviewed by a panel of industry and marketing experts who will put shortlisted proposals through an interview process in October, with the overall winner being announced at WTM on the evening of November 8.
Entries can be submitted online by completing a registration form. Physical copies can be submitted to South African Tourism Awards, c/o Jean Holmes, 6 Alt Grove, Wimbledon, SW19 4DZ.