With tourism being hailed as the "new gold" of the South African economy, Backpacker South Africa (BSA) wants to be in a position to take advantage of global attention and shine.
Tourism brings in almost double the value of the gold industry. We are talking billions here - approximately R66,3-billion coming from international and domestic tourism initiatives in 2006.
SA tourism growth stood at nearly 14% while globally it grew by 4.5%.
"The adventure segment is the fastest-growing travel area for American travellers," said Toni Sina, one of the convenors.
"It's a multi-million dollar industry, an area untapped in South Africa. Backpackers are open to adventure and more resilient than tourists, not fazed by tsunamis and 9/11s."
BSA has found that the days of stereotypical bearded, guitar-carrying backpackers, happy to share a dormitory, are over. Enter the "flashpacker" - a more sophisticated backpacker who comes with iPod and laptop, who wants a private room, sleeps on laundered sheets and takes regular showers.
And then there are "grown-up gappers" - semi-retired or retired, staying longer, having more money and wanting good value and a top product. Increasing numbers of travellers have ethical literacy and are environmentally and socially aware. They specifically choose service providers that are proven to meet these criteria.
The conference's emphasis was on greening initiatives.
The theme "Shining up our Industry" had the byline "Think Global, Act Local".
With 2010 and the Soccer World Cup around the corner, the first day was dominated by a talk "Preparing for 2010", presented by Gary Bailey. Afterwards, delegates saw the Fifa World Cup in a more positive light.
A talk on web technology followed, and then a breakout session, focusing on international marketing and shining up your hostel".
Speed dating had some of the delegates in a spin until they realised it was a networking task.
In the evening they could view Inconvenient Truth or The Secret, but many continued to network over a beer or two.
The second day covered environmental issues, with a presentation by Gareth Haysom, entitled "Pathways to a sustainable tourism industry". The focus was on reducing our environmental footprint.
This was followed by practical tips for "Greening your business", by Robin Thomson of the environmentally sustainable Green Elephant Backpackers.
"Social responsibility and sustainability" was another example and was presented by the owner of Bulungula Lodge in Transkei. The local community has a 40% share in the lodge.
The backpacker industry is so important to SA that the Department of Trade and Industry has made R1,5-million available to BSA. This assists them to attend conferences and travel shows overseas, such as the Adventure Travel and Backpackers Expo, Istanbul in September.
And was the conference environmentally aware?
Considering that BSA comprises people who "don't want to be normal", delegates purchased 18 Can-o-Worms (compost makers) and R5 000 worth of trees to offset transport to the conference.
BSA is made up of people with a diversity of talent but a common goal - to show visitors our country in a complete and unique travel experience, in order to make these travellers ambassadors for South Africa.
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