For the first time ever, Overstrand will be “manning” its very own stall at the annual Travel Indaba in Durban and has designated a full contingent of senior officials to spread the word that Overstrand is truly deserving of all the accolades it has earned as a destination of choice.

Another first is that Dr Annelie Rabie in her capacity as Executive Mayor and Chair of the Tourism Portfolio will be accompanying Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill, Overstrand Tourism Manager Frieda Lloyd and Gansbaai Tourism’s Glenda Kitley this time round.

By no means a newcomer to the tourism industry, Mayor Rabie said she is most excited about returning to Durban and picking up some innovative ideas that would benefit Overstrand’s offerings and pitching the area as a destination of choice.

Quite fittingly, the theme this year is “Shaping Africa’s tomorrow, through connection today” since this iconic three-day African leisure show is all about forging new travel and tourism relationships and strengthening existing networks to increase regional visitor numbers.

In the past, the Overstrand exhibition formed part of the Western Cape pavilion. This year, though, the municipality has secured an individual stand in close proximity to the pavilion with the intention to set Overstrand apart and to build on it being ranked eighteenth on the World Tourism Sentiment Index earlier this year.

“If we can bring the world to Overstrand, it will most definitely have a positive impact on our local economy and communities,” Mayor Rabie said in parting.