The South Africa Sisterhood tour that's a perfect fit for 'chatty' women
Katherine MastersPurpose-led travel specialist Themba Travel is looking for agents to help sell a unique tour, that’s been designed by women, for women
Niche tour operator Themba Travel is looking for agents to sell an exclusive Celebration of Sisterhood tour of South Africa, which is planned to depart in early April.
Founder and director Chantal Potgieter was inspired to design the tour by the women she’s met in her life and work.
“Because I grew up in South Africa in communities that were very close and connected, that motivated me to showcase their lives to the world. Some of the women we will meet on the tour come from similar communities, and are now leaders in the hospitality and tourism industries. They have changed the narrative, pushed the boundaries, changed the status quo and continue to inspire their fellow South Africans.”
“We don’t sing and shout enough about the women in our industry,” she adds. “In particular, the marginalised women.”
The nine-day tour is being marketed to women only, and Potgieter is looking for open-minded, adventurous travellers looking to make meaningful connections with other females.
“When women get together, we can chat and chat,” she laughs. “By putting a spotlight on women in Cape Town, who have been through various challenges in their lives and come out with great stories to inspire us, I’m hoping friendships will be formed. Some of these women are change-makers; others more hidden gems.”
The itinerary will start by visiting a women’s local community project in the coastal town of Kleinmond, which takes in women from abusive relationships and the group will meet some of those the centre has helped. Then it’s on to Cape Town, to stay in the female-owned Colosseum Luxury Hotel. Next follows a two-day game drive at Wildehondkloof Game Reserve in Cape Karoo, a private game reserve owned by Paula Potgieter (no relation), and the final two nights will be spent in the Cape Winelands, at Diemersfontein Country Estate.
“The owners David and Linda Sonnenberg are a phenomenal couple and real community champions, who gave shareholdership to their farm workers," explains Potgieter, adding: “We want this tour to be meaningful, vibrant, transformative… and fun. The final night we will invite some amazing local women for an ‘Inspire’ party.”
Potgieter founded Themba Travel four years ago, offering volunteering holidays in South Africa for adults, in the areas of education and health. The company also offers tailor-made holidays, covering the Garden Route, Cape Town, safari and cultural themes, with a strong emphasis on positive impact. This year the portfolio has expanded to include Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
The tour, departing April 3, is priced at £2,375pp (excluding flights), and Themba Travel will offer minimum 10% commission to any travel agents who make a booking. As a member of the Travel Trust Association, Potgieter says the tour has 100% financial protection for the customer. She plans to run it with a minimum of six travellers and a maximum of 12.
An added bonus to the tour will be some dedicated coaching sessions before and after the tour, led by the founder of Women in Travel, Alessandra Alonso, amplifying the experience. The tour will also be part of a pilot DE&I research case study in collaboration with the University of Surrey, School of Hospitality and Tourism to measure the valuable impact of women from marginalised communities in the tourism sector.
For more information, agents can get in touch with Chantal Potgieter at chantal@thembatravel.com
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Katherine Masters
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Place of registration: England and Wales.
Company number 08723341.
Registered address: 6th Floor, 2 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU
