New Zealand agents are looking for new and exciting options in Africa as the continent continues to grow in popularity out of this market, according to suppliers at a World Journeys Experience Africa roadshow this week.

The number of New Zealanders travelling to South Africa has held up better than may have been expected with the visa woes and difficulties in the past year, according to Tim Clyde-Smith, country manager Australasia with South African Airways.

Travel agents can be in to win one of six spots on an eight-night South African famil with South African Tourism and South African Airways.

South African Airways have reduced regional flight schedules between Johannesburg and some African countries.

The changes reflect demand on affected routes as well as the airline’s desire to maximise efficiencies across its network and to return to profitability as soon as possible.

No intercontinental routes are impacted by the announcement with the changes taking effect from the end of September finalising in November 2017.

South African Tourism figures just released show that 48% fewer New Zealanders travelled to South Africa in February this year, compared with February 2016.
The figures give official confirmation that numbers of Kiwi travellers to South Africa have dropped sharply since visitor visa requirements were introduced in January. However there’s been little movement towards improving the visa application process, despite the collective efforts of the travel agency distribution and South African Airways.