Travel Megatrends 2018: Africa Must Woo Millennials at Home and Abroad
Photo Credit: Tourism leaders in Southern Africa are learning what millennial travelers need and want — and trying to adapt accordingly. Skift / Vanessa Branchi
Skift Take
Millennial-friendly products and services are finally on the rise in South Africa’s tourist industry, and the desire for immersive experiences could see a much-needed trickle down of tourism spend.
Skift Megatrends 2018
In January 2018 released our annual travel industry trends forecast, Skift Megatrends 2018. You can read about each of the trends on Skift, or download a copy of our magazine here.With new products and services, the tourism industry in southern Africa is quickly understanding the needs, wants, and spending power of the authenticity-seeking, hyper-connected millennial traveler.
With its bespoke mobile app, disruptive room decor and dedication to curated experiences, the Radisson RED Cape Town, which opened in September, is a bellwether of the shift. The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group evidently sees potential in the millennial market in South Africa: It’s just the fourth of 60 Radisson RED hotels the group plans to open worldwide by 2020.
A homegrown competitor hitting similar touchpoints is the Protea Hotels Fire & Ice brand, launched in 2006, with features that include in-house DJs, high-speed Wi-Fi and an Instagrammable pool deck.
“We’re no longer just in the business of selling rooms,” said Avukile Mabombo, group marketing manager for Protea Hotels. “From p
