Talking Travel with Nicky Oosthuizen from Bench Africa
Bench Africa WA State Manager, Nicky Oosthuizen, has been in the travel industry for many years, in South Africa and Australia. Nicky believes that every day may offer challenges and frustrations but many a day we forget that this is an exceptionally exciting industry to work in.
“We should remind ourselves daily that clients entrust us to construct their dreams. We should attempt to showcase a passion for travel that aspires others to travel,” Nicky says.
“Travel builds character. When we become appreciative of other cultures, we not only learn to get along with others, we also learn from others.”
Travel Monitor caught up with Nicky to find out all about her role in the industry and more, in this week’s Talking Travel.
What does your job involve?
My job involves sales calls, events and famils, to name a few. I am responsible for numerous things, from training to expo’s. My primary and most important responsibility is sales. During sales calls I offer specialist advise on how to sell Africa, destination training and promote our specials on offer. I assist with flyer designs and promotions, as well as exclusive group itineraries. No one day is the same…
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
I have been with Bench Africa for 4 ½ years. I can honestly say, it feels like I am still on honeymoon. I am so passionate about my Bench family. Not only do I proudly represent one the most amazing travel companies in Australia, I represent one of the most amazing, diverse and life changing destinations on earth. I start and end each day with contentment and gratitude.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession?
The misconceptions people have about Africa. ‘It is too expensive, I don’t want to go on safari, is it safe?’ People, Africa is as expensive as you want it to be. You do not have to win the lotto or cash in your Rolex to go to Africa! If pitching a tent or flying to a remote ultra-luxury lodge is your thing, Africa has it on offer. The only difference is the style of accommodation and the mode of transport on offer. The ultra-luxury lodges don’t offer 5* lions and the campsites 3* lions, the animal experiences are exceptional regardless of the standard of accommodation.
When one compare the rates to other countries many frequent often, surprise will be the winning emotion. The key factor to selling Africa is presentation. Explain the daily inclusions, the exceptional experiences and high standard of accommodation. African packages or tours should be presented as exceptional value, filled with incredible experiences.
Africa is a diverse continent, each country within itself offers diversity. It is not all about safaris. One can easily have a brilliant city or beach experience, think Cape Town or Zanzibar. Many may forget that Morocco and Egypt also forms part of the African continent.
Is it safe? Bench Africa has been sending Australians to Africa for 50 years. Just like any destination in the world in this every changing world, one should travel sensibly.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
This may sound like a broken record. Choose your provider wisely. Experience and skill should not be taken for granted. Passion reflects a love for something. Human interaction and emotion reflects passion best. Exceptional travel bookings should be managed by travel specialists that reflect passion and experience. This booking experience might never be authentically mirrored when booking online.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months’?
New destinations and experiences within Africa are introduced more than ever before. New African routes are being introduced by airlines, cruise companies and luxury rail specialists. People are becoming more at ease with Africa as a destination, hence Africa no longer features on their bucket list. It is occupying a prominent position on their ‘to do list’.
Who inspires you most and why?
Dr. Jane Goodall. The English primatologist and anthropologist. Her selflessness, dedication and passion for animal conservation overwhelms me with emotion and awe.
‘If everyone in the world lived according to their need and not their greed, imagine how different our planet would be’ – One of her quotes that inspires me daily.
I am inspired by numerous photographers, such as Will Burrard-Lucas. I am passionate about photography, the art of capturing this remarkable world we live in and representing it to others in a unique way. Photography captures someone’s appreciation of something. We may all be looking at the same object, however each of us value it differently, which in turn triggers different emotions within us.
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
I have been exceptionally blessed as I have travelled to many beautiful destinations on business. I would love to share these experiences with my family. The destination list is endless, however Kenya, Victoria Falls, Botswana and Seychelles will be highest on our list.
Website – www.benchafrica.com.au
Contact Email – info@benchafrica.com.au
