South Africa has been added to the programme of UK-based luxury tour operator If Only, following years-long demand from the travel agents the company exclusively works with.

According to UK publication Travel Weekly, from November 28, the operator will feature a selection of South African itineraries, including Cape Town to the Winelands and Hermanus, the Eastern Cape, Kruger and Greater Kruger National Parks, Johannesburg, KwaZulu Natal, Madikwe, and the Kalahari and the Garden Route, as well as rail travel packages.

“We have done extensive research during the pandemic and asked agents what they would like to see next from us. We had requests for years from agents to expand into South Africa as it can be sold as a single-centre destination or paired with a fantastic five-star resort in the Indian Ocean. It fits seamlessly with our luxury product portfolio, so we have decided now is the time to do so,” If Only GM, Gordon McCreadie, was quoted as saying.

As part of the itineraries, If Only has added more than 50 hotels to its portfolio, including boutique properties and lodges. Featured properties include the One&Only Cape Town, Kensington Place (also in Cape Town), Babylonstoren in Paarl, and Mont Rochelle in Franschhoek.

“We will be offering agents further support with eye-catching and inspiring video clips tailored to each itinerary included within our quotes to help secure these valuable bookings, while delivering an unparalleled level of experience when it comes to travel to this exciting part of the world,” McCreadie said.