Africa Showcase: how Dragonfly Africa hosted fam trips during a global pandemic
Experiencing a destination in person is still the best way for planners to be able to successfully pitch it to their clients, which is why fam trips remain essential to the luxury events and incentives market. However, global travel restrictions caused by Covid-19 meant fam trips were off the table for a long period of time.
But, as restrictions have gradually eased, leading DMC Dragonfly Africa and Green Route Africa wasted no time in getting buyers back to Africa on not one but two trips this year.
“The most important thing for us is to get buyers to feel confident again. If we believe in what we sell, if we believe in incentive travel, and if we believe it’s going to come back, we need to prove it, and prove we are ready. And we decided to go for some exotic destinations to really showcase just how ready we are,” says Yolanda Woeke, VP of sales & marketing at Dragonfly.
The first group, made up of senior US buyers and their partners, experienced gorilla trekking in Rwanda in April, while the second group were treated to a safari experience in Kenya and Tanzania. Despite the additional challenges and safety measures required due to travelling during a global pandemic, both trips were a huge success and incredibly well received.
We share the highlights, additional safety measures put in place by Dragonfly, and get feedback from some of the buyers…
Rwanda
For Rwanda, a small group of top senior US clients and buyers were invited to attend along with their partners. “We didn’t know what to expect but the response was phenomenal. Everyone was so keen to come, partly because they hadn’t travelled for so long but also because it’s such a bucket list destination and experience,” says Woeke.
“I do sometimes think back and wonder what was I thinking?! There are so many more layers to operating in the current climate with different Covid tests and requirements. It was such a challenge, but it was so rewarding to see that people wanted to come and they were even prepared to pay for their own flights, which is almost unheard of in the MICE industry. They were desperate to travel again and to show their clients that it is safe to travel again.”
She adds that the US market was targeted specifically because it was most ready. Everybody who joined the trip (there were 16 in total) had already been vaccinated, and a large percentage of the Rwandan population and all those working in the tourism industry had also been vaccinated.
The trip was five nights, with one in Kigali, two nights at One&Only Nyungwe House to acclimatise and enjoy activities including a chimpanzee trek, followed by two nights at the One&Only Gorilla's Nest for the gorilla trekking.
Health and safety protocols
Attendees flew in from several different airports in the US, and one from Hong Kong, and the various airlines all had slightly different rules on when tests needed to be carried out, which created additional challenges. From testing and sanitising suitcases to implementing social distancing and mask wearing, Dragonfly put in place clear protocols to ensure the safety of guests throughout the trip.
Not only did attendees have to test before arrival and departure into Rwanda, they also had to test before entering national parks and the gorilla trek to ensure that no-one was positive and passed on Covid to the gorillas. One&Only provided the testings service at their lodges.
“We had to keep social distancing in mind, which meant having less people in vehicles than usual for transfers and making sure all the experiences and dinners were private and exclusive, and predominantly outdoors,” says Dragonfly Group Sales Manager Sara Shaw.
Woeke adds: “No one felt uncomfortable at any point. They were really amazed at how Rwanda has implemented protocols that really work and made travellers feel safe. It gave us a good practice run for future fam trips and when group travel does come back.”
The verdict
Tina Madden, Co-CEO & Chief Customer Officer, Meetings & Incentives Worldwide, Inc.
“I had to look at the invite a couple of times to make sure it wasn’t a virtual experience. When I realised it was travelling to Rwanda, I was overcome with excitement and literally screamed.
“Dragonfly did a fantastic job communicating about safety and the process for testing. It was simple and I was not worried at all. They also made it convenient, and it did not take away from the experience at all. The highlights of the trip were the beautiful friendly people, the adorable children that squealed with joy when they saw us, the majestic gorillas, the gorgeous green landscape, and the breath-taking One&Only properties.”
Kip Lambert, Co-owner/CMO, Destinations Inc
“When I received the invite to Rwanda my first thought was, yes! I will move heaven and earth to make this happen! Dragonfly made us feel completely at ease. The health measures were both extensive and unobtrusive at the same time. They took amazing care of us.
“I knew that this was beyond exclusive and bucket list for sure, but in the moment with the gorillas it was an almost out-of-body spiritual experience. I would easily and wholeheartedly recommend Rwanda and I wouldn’t do it with anyone other than Yolanda and Mike with Dragonfly. I know they have my back, and our incentive groups will be well looked after.”
Chris Rohan, Managing Partner, Benchmark Incentives
“The gorilla trek was the highlight of course. But looking back now, it wasn’t only the Gorillas. I really loved the knowledge that we were trekking through muck, sliding in mud, rain, and branches, which made the experience of getting there feel like an awesome achievement. Having to work for the reward made it more satisfying!
“To the point of the importance of the fam. In this climate, I did feel a need to travel myself to experience mask wearing, airports, Covid protocols and testing etc to be as versed in it as possible for when I went back to ask my clients to travel.”
Kenya
The second trip was for a group of ten US buyers to Kenya, with two clients adding on a stay in Tanzania. “It was not difficult to fill. When we sent out the invites to a hand-picked selection of buyers, the response was great and everyone pretty much said yes straight away,” says Woeke.
The programme included a night in Nairobi and four nights staying at Angama Mara, a luxury lodge in the Masai Mara.
In addition to some amazing safari experiences, the group enjoyed a trip to the famous picnic spot where Out of Africa was shot, and a movie night where they got to watch the film. Other activities included an herb garden tour, meeting a Masai warrior, and running with a Kenyan.
“That was so much fun, we had a blast, and it’s something you can only experience in Kenya. Another key highlight was the hot air balloon safari we did at sunrise in the Masai Mara. You sail over herds of buffalo and hippos and crocodiles, and then you land and have a fantastic bush breakfast in the middle of nowhere,” says Woeke.
Two of the clients then headed onto Tanzania, where they stayed at the Four Seasons Serengeti for another four nights and got to experience the migration. “It was fantastic to see the herds of wildebeest and zebra on the move. The clients were completely blown away by it,” says Shaw.
As with the Rwanda trip, Dragonfly ensured testing for each traveller and rigorous Covid safety protocols throughout to keep attendees safe.
The verdict
Lauren Cilch, Manager: Travel & Corporate Events, Kawasaki Motors
“The invite came through in mid-March after a year of lockdown. When I read the invite, I think my jaw hit the ground and I thought if they can pull this off, I'm in!
“I was lucky enough to be fully vaccinated by the time of the trip, so I wasn't concerned about my health. The Covid-19 testing requirement to travel can be stressful but having worked with Dragonfly before, I knew they'd have it dialled in.
“The safaris and amazing animal viewing were highlights for sure but the friendships that developed over the course of the trip I treasure the most. I would definitely recommend Kenya for an incentive group, especially if your goal is to strengthen relationships. The bonding that just naturally occurs when you're on safari will stay strong long after the trip is over.”
Heidi Stevenson, Regional Director of Sales, Prestige Global
“COVID has created a great deal of trepidation and uncertainty to travel. It put my mind at ease to know Dragonfly and the other suppliers took our health and safety seriously.
The hot air balloon safari in Kenya was incredible. To see the Mara from the perspective of the sky was truly breath-taking. It was unique and different to anything I had done in terms of a safari. The breakfast in the bush following the hot air balloon was truly one to remember.
The location of Angama Mara is phenomenal, and whether gathered for a meal, relaxing, or in my tent, to overlook the Mara and all its activities was one of the most special experiences.
“While in Tanzania we were able to witness the great migration. To see thousands upon thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and other animals traversing the Serengeti was astonishing. It was a true bucket list experience and was wonderful to travel again.”
Tiffany Cohen, Snr Director of Incentive Groups, Opus Agency
“When the invite came through, my first thought was – “Yes! A little bit of normality!” And then it sunk in that I’m really being offered a fam, and not only that, but to a destination that has been on my personal bucket list for a long time. I may have squealed when I read the invite.
“I felt that Dragonfly had everyone’s health and safety at the top of mind and I never once felt nervous or uneasy. Kenya as a destination also felt remarkably safe – especially considering we were safely distanced at a lodge and all guests had negative COVID tests.
Angama Mara was the ideal location to take a group because you really are never in a closed environment or in large crowds of people. It is a great spot for any groups that may be more sensitive to health and safety.”