A tribute to our trade partners

There is no doubt that the last couple of months have been extremely challenging for anyone working in the tourism industry.  A first phase of making sure all customers returned home safely after the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, travel warnings and lockdown zones, quickly transitioned into phase two: This seemingly endless phase is characterized by long conversations with travelers in the hope to be able to convince them to #dontcancelpostpone their stay while keeping their customers' travel dreams alive and installing some kind of travel confidence and trust – and all of this free of charge.  It is a commitment to an industry that many of us are so deeply passionate about.  This commitment certainly requires a positive mindset and gives #tourismstrong a deeper meaning, a whole new dimension!

Travel advisors are fighting daily to avoid refunds and minimize penalty fees while constantly staying informed on all the latest warnings, regulations, protocols and travel trends to be #travelready when the world starts to travel again. Their only “reward” is a strengthened relationship to their customer, a new bond, as they don’t only take the role of a destination expert but a counsellor, negotiator and risk manager at the same time, falling back on their years of expertise that reaches far beyond the pandemic. 

This is a tribute we wish to pay to you on behalf of Cape Country Routes, a group of owner-managed accommodation and activity products that has and will always work closely with tour operators and travel agents: You have done an outstanding job in managing these daily challenges and we are truly grateful for your commitment.  You have not only been fighting for yourselves but also for the travel destinations you operate in, your suppliers and their teams, for partnerships and even friendships you have formed over the years.  Thank you!  We look forward to many more years of close partnership and cooperation!

May the new era of travel build on these new connections as travelers start to truly appreciate the expert advise, personal service and guidance they receive from a professional travel advisor. As time will go on and people start to travel again, as challenges will slowly disappear, a new opportunity arises for the travel trade to be appreciated for their hard work, their knowledge, experience, passion and commitment. There is no doubt that we will be there to serve you and work with you as we continue to travel this journey together!