Reunion Island is growing in popularity for South African travellers who have contributed significantly to the 145% growth in visitor arrivals to the island recorded in the first half of 2017.
South African travellers are accustomed to seeking out a spur-of-the-moment, well-deserved break in the nearby islands of the Indian Ocean, and with no visas being required for South African travellers, making the 4-hour flight to Reunion Island is an obvious choice for those looking to experience this easily accessible destination.
A renewed drive in 2016 to encourage visitors to consider Reunion Island as their Indian Ocean destination of choice is reaping rewards. This French department in the Indian Ocean has gained popularity since opening its tourism office in South Africa, which is represented by Hélène Bezuidenhoudt from Atout France.
Bezuidenhoudt is delighted with the results that all the recent efforts are producing so far. Speaking at a recent business breakfast event held in Johannesburg, Hélène had this to say. “It is encouraging to see that we are gaining ground and making some inroads into educating the South African travelling public about Reunion Island. The first half of 2017 has recorded a 145% growth in visitors, year-on-year and we haven’t even reached the most popular holiday time yet! Likewise, Air Austral has seen a similar pattern in growth. Reunion Island really does have something to offer everyone with pristine nature, breath taking scenery, a wide variety of activities and fabulous French / Creole cuisine. It really is the ultimate destination!”
Reunion Island Tourism Board revived its marketing drive in South Africa in mid-2016 with Atout France and rolled out a series of renewed activities over a three year period. Various trade and media educationals have already taken place where some lucky visitors have sampled Reunion Island’s delights, consumer marketing campaigns with billboards and online banners have been executed and are ongoing, cooperative marketing with tour operators and social media activations are just some of the platforms used to promote the destination to the markets.
Reunion Island Tourism is committed to the South African market in order to create more awareness and encourage more visitors to this gem of an island in the Indian Ocean.
Reunion Island Tourism Board is represented in South Africa by Atout France.
Read more about Reunion Island here.
