Change is sweeping the international tourism market, and it’s being driven primarily by millennials — those in the 20-to 30-year age cohort. “They are looking for new experiences instead of mundane sightseeing tours,” says Martin Wiest, CEO of Tourvest’s destination management division. “SA has emerged as one of the best adventure travel destinations.” Gone are the days when young adventurers set off on a globe-hopping journey armed with not much more than a backpack. “They now have money,” says Private Safaris CEO Monika Iuel. “Young travellers shun luxury accommodation. They want to live like locals among people of their own age and would rather stay in a bed-and-breakfast or self-catering establishment,” she says. Much the same goes for game lodges. “They are not interested in super-luxury lodges,” says Iuel. “They want to visit a game farm where they can go on walking safaris and help with things like game capture. It gives them bragging rights on social media sites such as Snap...
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