‘Many of our lodges didn’t actually stop doing business during the pandemic and have been taking guests right through,’ says Harper. He says these were often intra-Africa guests but also people from America and from parts of Europe that have been able to travel.

‘Even those lodges that have closed have retained their staff and we’ve been able to do much needed maintenance. So when Australian and New Zealand clients are able to travel, we’ll be ready for them.’

Harper says the lodges are operating under strict Covid protocols and are finding increased traction with groups of families and friends booking sole use villas.

‘Private travel where people have their own small groups and noone else around them is definitely a trend. Of course a group like this can generate high value bookings for agents.’

World Journeys hosted lunch for its top agents at Hilton Auckland, coinciding with the visit of &Beyond’s Norman Harper.