Herbie Rosenberg is the Managing Director of AfricaReps. He has been in the travel industry for a long time and specialises in Africa. He is one of the most knowledgeable people in the industry about Africa.
During this time, he has come to think it would be great if most travel agents wouldn’t take the least resistance in booking destinations but rather research destinations that meet their client’s absolute needs and desires.
“In a similar vein, travel agents need to look at Africa, which ticks every box, and if they are not sure of certain points, to contact me for the necessary information – if I don’t know the answer to 90% of the questions, I will endeavour to find the answer through my extensive network in Africa and Australasia,” Herbie adds.
Find out what else Herbie had to say in this week’s Talking Travel.
What does your job involve?
Africareps is an African tourism product representation company / GSA based in Melbourne. Our role is to market and promote the African companies we represent to the Australian and New Zealand travel industry. We are not a travel agent or a travel wholesaler and don’t make bookings. We respect all channels.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
My passion for Africa and assisting the industry to create life-changing holidays.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession?
Trying to get the industry to understand I’m here to help them with anything to do with Africa.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
At the moment, there is a reticence to travel to Africa due to many misperceptions.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months?
There is a growing incidence of multi-generational travel and the tendency to spend more time in fewer places instead of trying to tick off the entire bucket list during one trip.
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
The travel trend will be to experience more in-depth knowledge and to find destinations away from mass tourism destinations.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
Responsible travel is about respecting cultures in every foreign destination.
Who inspires you most and why?
Dereck and Beverly Joubert, owners of Great Plains Conservation (a company I represent and do the marketing for). They are Explorers in Residence for National Geographic and one of the foremost conservationists in the world.
What is your must-pack travel item(s)?
My cell phone as I can run my business virtually with it.
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
I would take my 5 grandchildren to Africa, of course.
Contact Email: herbie@africareps.com
