CREATIVTY TO INCREASE TOURISM
JANUARY - JUNE 2018
Zambia : ITV's Good Morning Britain to broadcast live from Victoria Falls
On Monday 25th June, the most viewed breakfast show in the UK will be beamed live from Livingstone, as presenter Andi Peters reveals where he'd "Most like to be in the world". As well as the live feed, the ITV crew will be filming a series of one minute items in South Luangwa and Livingstone to use throughout the morning's programming.
Chief Executive, Tim Henshall explained, "With the help of ZTA, we've been able to make a great idea become reality. Seeing Zambia on to primetime TV will no doubt increase interest for this amazing destination".
Tanzania Marketing Group to be launched September 2018
This June, Kamageo is launching the TANTOO, which will see many of Tanzania’s leading safari-related businesses working together to actively promote the destination to consumers, trade and media in the UK. Tanzania Tourism Board is backing the project and will provide financial support to the initiative. Kamageo has invited the owners and marketing managers of lodges, camps, safari operators and airlines to join Kamageo and TTB at KiliFair to hear the thinking behind the project and the plans for 2018/19. Chief Executive, Tim Henshall commented, "We were invited to create the TANTOO by exhibitors in our successful Tanzania roadshow who had also heard of our success with Zambia and Malawi private sector initiatives". Sujit Shah of Zanzibar Collection added "We have seen Kamageo in action. So this project must go ahead and we are delighted to be a part of it".
Uganda / Amazing new 2-minute destination video launched.
Directed by Kamageo’s Rich Whiston, the film>>> captures the beauty of the landscapes, the amazing activities, the wonderful wildlife and the warmth of Ugandan people. The theme expands on the 2016 "Your Uganda" campaign, which emphasises that visitors can do and see whatever they choose from the many options on offer - from mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, to birding, adventure, watersports and culture. In this newest work, local Ugandans proudly show off the aspect of the country that they love best, announcing "This is my Uganda!".
The video is freely available to download here>>> and Kamageo is even offering to re-brand the video for a limited number of key UK tour operators, at no extra cost, incorporating their logos and contact details. Interested parties should contact Uganda Country Manager, Becca Kerry (becca@kamageo.com) for more information.
Rich Whiston explained, “Originally we'd anticipated producing a short memento of our trip, but after seeing the first edit, it was clear we had something far bigger and better than that. I defy anyone to watch the finished versions and not want to be transported immediately to Uganda!” A 20-minute short documentary will also be available soon.
Zambia : Good Morning Britain - live from Victoria Falls
With the help of Kamageo, the most watched breakfast show on UK television broadcast live from Zambia's Victoria Falls on Monday 25th June. Presenter, Andi Peters chose Zambia as the destination he'd most like to visit on the planet and he was seen broadcasting live in front of the iconic waterfalls at 06h58 and again at 08h15 BST. When the programming switched to popular chatshow, "Lorraine", ITV again cut back to Andi live from Zambia at 08h57. Click to register and see the footage on the ITV player. Zambia will appear over 80 times across the next 10 days on these two programmes plus the midmorning show, "Loose Women". See footage here>>>
Malawi : New video highlights how great the destination is for families.
Award-winning bloggers, Mini-Travellers (www.minitravellers.co.uk) visited Malawi to produce the first in a series of themed videos - "Is this destination good for families with young children?" The entertaining and informative short film captures the true essence of the family's trip - parents Karen and Matt Beddow took along Lily (7), Isobel (6) and Eve (6) and a great time was had by all. PR & Tourism Director, Kelly White stated, "This film beautifully illustrates just how wonderful Malawi is, especially for families. The warmth of the local people really comes through". See it here>>>
Uganda / New image library released for UK operator use. COMING SOON
Following a visit to five of Uganda's ten national parks, Kamageo is releasing an image bank of wildlife, scenery and people pictures for free usage by tour operators when promoting Uganda.
For more information, please contact Uganda country manager, Lisa Burton via lisa@kamageo.com.
Zambia : ITV's Good Morning Britain to broadcast live from Victoria Falls
On Monday 25th June, the most viewed breakfast show in the UK will be beamed live from Livingstone, as presenter Andi Peters reveals where he'd "Most like to be in the world". As well as the live feed, the ITV crew will be filming a series of one minute items in South Luangwa and Livingstone to use throughout the morning's programming.
Chief Executive, Tim Henshall explained, "With the help of ZTA, we've been able to make a great idea become reality. Seeing Zambia on to primetime TV will no doubt increase interest for this amazing destination".
Tanzania Marketing Group to be launched September 2018
This June, Kamageo is launching the TANTOO, which will see many of Tanzania’s leading safari-related businesses working together to actively promote the destination to consumers, trade and media in the UK. Tanzania Tourism Board is backing the project and will provide financial support to the initiative. Kamageo has invited the owners and marketing managers of lodges, camps, safari operators and airlines to join Kamageo and TTB at KiliFair to hear the thinking behind the project and the plans for 2018/19. Chief Executive, Tim Henshall commented, "We were invited to create the TANTOO by exhibitors in our successful Tanzania roadshow who had also heard of our success with Zambia and Malawi private sector initiatives". Sujit Shah of Zanzibar Collection added "We have seen Kamageo in action. So this project must go ahead and we are delighted to be a part of it".
Uganda / UTB appoints Kamageo to market the destination in UK and Ireland
Kamageo has been tasked with continuing its great work for Uganda, via a new contract with Uganda Tourism Board. Two years into a first-ever multi-discipline marketing campaign to increase UK visitor numbers to the destination, Kamageo's marketing plans - which focus upon educating and enthusing the UK's travel trade - will be maintained, especially given the results achieved to date.
As Chief Executive, Tim Henshall explained, "We've seen a 34% increase in the number of UK tour operators offering Uganda, whilst 80% of UK operators have reporting that their Uganda enquires are up, so it's no wonder that we're enjoying increased visitor numbers."
Kamageo has also successfully implemented a consumer campaign - especially via PR - and as a result, research shows a sharp increase in both spontaneous and prompted desire to visit the country, aided by an increased awareness of Uganda's gorillas, chimps and amazing birdlife. UK operators keen to increase their product knowledge of the destination are urged to contact Kamageo's Uganda country manager, Becca Kerry via becca@kamageo.com
Africa / Major UK Safari Industry research made available.
For the first time, Kamageo is making the findings of the annual MARIFA report available to tourism boards who are not existing Kamageo clients. Chief Executive, Tim Henshall explained "For the last three years, we have monitored trends and changes within the UK market. Some of the findings have proved truly enlightening and have certainly impacted on marketing strategies for Uganda, Zambia, Malawi and Swaziland who we represent here in the UK". Kamageo is offering access to MARIFA 2018 at Indaba, where Tim will attend on behalf of Kamageo. "I will be happy to share the top-line data with African tourist boards and tourism ministries, to help them gain a greater understanding of the UK market".
UK Roadshow video released
Capturing the very essence of the Safari Roadshow, Kamageo has produced a short video. Featuring exhibitors and buyers, the film illustrates the benefits of attending the event.
UK / New style Safari Media Show proves a success
Kamageo introduced a new format for the popular Safari Media Show, now designed to be more intimate, relaxed and informal, giving more 1-on-1 time with Kamageo's team where journalists can discuss their personal ideas and requirements with the team.
Safari Magazine Edition 33 now out
The latest edition of the industry's only trade publication is now out. The 72-page 'Safari Magazine', is published by Kamageo, and is available online here, whilst hard copies will be posted to over 500 individual UK Africa specialists next week, as well as distributed on the (sold out) Safari Roadshow. To receive your own printed copy, simply send your address to kristina@kamageo.com.
Articles in this issue 33 include : Malawi - Now a complete destination; Zambia is leading the way in conservation; Celebrating 25yrs of Gorilla Tourism in Uganda; Preview of Safari Roadshow; Showing Ethiopia's true nature; Fam Trips 2018 and Tanzania's new Mbali Mbali.
UK Roadshow sells out
With a final flurry at the end of the week prior to its start, the Safari Roadshow featuring exhibitors from Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia has completely sold out. With a maximum of 30 exhibitor places, the Uganda and Zambia spaces went within days of release, whilst Tanzanian product owners were a little slower off the blocks. Event organiser, Kat Day put this down to Kamageo's previous shows for Uganda and Zambia, which proved so successful, "We have history with them...and we'll have a great reputation with Tanzania too, by the end of next week!"
The 40 buyer slots have been over subscribed by some way, but with some buyers only operating in certain destinations, its been a case of 'mix and match' for Kat and the team. There are actually 46 different UK operators attending which we think is quite some achievement". The event starts on Monday, with more details available at www.safari-roadshow.com
Malawi features in 47 regional titles in one week!
Reaching 1,242,976 people across 71 regional titles, Africa's hottest destination is grabbing all the headlines yet again! The media value of this story has been calculated at over £587,000 (and this is in addition to last month's amazing regional coverage, too).
Malawi / TTG magazine makes Malawi the cover story in 08/02/18 edition
Further emphasising its growing importance, leading travel publication TTG gave the front page over to 'Malawi Magic' to support the major feature within the magazine. The article, written by journalist Karl Cushing followed a Kamageo inspired and coordinated trip in late 2017, working alongside SAA. Tourism Director, Kelly White, added "The more media coverage we gain, the more trade and consumer interest we built...which in turn generates more media coverage".
Zambia / Victoria Falls makes major splash at 'Destinations'
Zambia was a major attraction at Destinations Holiday & Travel Show at London’s Olympia. A specially commissioned 20 x 16 ft 3-D artwork was the centre-piece of the show's Africa section and drew visitors keen to photograph themselves and enter the 'win a holiday' competition. Seen from some angles, the artwork had little impact, but once viewers stood at the cleverly created angle, the entire image came to life providing the illusion of being right there in Zambia.
Kamageo’s Marketing Manager, Rich Whiston explained “Hundreds of people have taken fun pics of themselves alongside the Falls and shared them on social media. As a result more than 250,0000 would-be visitors have viewed this artwork".
Uganda / Rushenya the Mountain Gorilla frequently sighted at Destinations
This year's Destinations Show again proved to be the best location for sighting Mountain Gorillas in London, when Rushenya the (animatronic) gorilla visited the show each day.
Attracting huge numbers of excited visitors, Rushenya was part of UTB's marketing efforts which saw a 200% increase in interest levels if measured by the number of brochures taken by would-be travellers.
Many UK Africa specialists who exhibited at the show reported significant increases in requests for Uganda holidays, again emphasising the destination's newly-increased appeal.
Swaziland / Wanderlust gives backing to Swaziland
In a recent Wanderlust article, this leading travel magazine listed the best trips to southern Africa. Most were multi-country trips and Swaziland features in an incredible three out of nine. Only South Africa appeared more frequently. As Kelly White mentioned, "It's a great illustration that Swaziland is now taken more seriously by the trade and media, resulting in it being featured far more prominently".
Zambia / Safest country on the planet?
The US Department of State has begun assigning countries a travel advisory level (1-4) to help label the safest countries. These have then been combined with the Global Peace Index from 2017 to create a list of the best and safest countries to visit this year. Top of the list? Zambia. See more >>>
Zambia / Victoria Falls to magically appear at 'Destinations'
Zambia Tourism will truly be the centre of attention at Destinations Holiday & Travel Show at London’s Olympia, 1st-4th February 2018. Kamageo commissioned the UK’s most innovative street artists to re-create a seemingly 3-D Victoria Falls across a huge area of the event’s floor-space, providing the illusion of being right there in Zambia.
Kamageo’s Marketing Manager, Rich Whiston explained “We providing a visually breath-taking image to inspire travellers to visit Zambia for themselves and enjoy the beauty of iconic Victoria Falls. People will be able to sense how awesome the reality is”. The 20 x 10ft art installation took over a week to painstakingly create. See our time-lapse “how we made it” video.
Visitors to the show will be encouraged to ‘selfie’ themselves in the Devil’s Pool (nature's ultimate infinity pool, close to the edge of the Falls) and post them on social media. ZTA’s Donald Pelemakoyo added “We sense visitors are going to love this mini version of the Falls…imagine how much they’d enjoy the real thing, in Zambia”.
Malawi features in 48 regional press titles in just 7 days
Thanks to Kamageo, and reflecting its growing status as a world-class safari destination, Malawi has prominently featured in 48 regional publications in the first three days of January. Titles include Belfast Morning Telegraph, Newcastle Evening News, South Wales Echo, Colchester Gazette and Coventry Telegraph. Kamageo's Tourism Director, Kelly White commented, "This proves that Malawi has risen to a new status, so now is the time to visit".
New branding for the UK's No.1 Africa destination marketing agency
Kamageo has unveiled a new look for 2018 to help keep the agency at the forefront of Africa destination marketing in the UK. A new logo, corporate identity and refreshed website (kamageo.com) have all been developed following research amongst Kamageo's varied target audiences. The agency's lead creative - Izzie Ludbrook - explained that "Kamageo leads rather then follows, so its important that our graphic look emphasises this".
New Year, New Face at Kamageo
Kamageo is delighted to announce the appointment of Kristina Harlow who moves from the English Wine Producers Association, to become Marketing Assistant. Kristina has a first-class honours degree in Tourism Management and is delighted to be putting her outstanding academic achievements to use in the travel industry. Amongst her responsibilities will be Marifa (Kamageo's annual research programme). Tim Henshall, Kamageo’s CEO stated, “Kristina has an excellent degree and great hands-on marketing experience. She may be new to Africa, but I sense she will make her mark very quickly!”
Malawi / Hottest Destination in Africa
Malawi is now officially the hottest African destination for 2018. Newspapers, magazines and websites around the world have been tripping over themselves to include Malawi in ’Top Destinations' lists for 2018. Malawi’s stunning beaches, beautiful and varied landscapes and friendly cultural experiences have long been some of the best that Africa has to offer. But with the wildlife transformations courtesy of African Parks, Malawi’s safari experiences are now starting to match its other attractions. Top Media plaudits have come from the likes of Equire, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Forbes, Wanderlust, CNN, The Guardian, Rough Guide and The Independent. See more >>>